The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center is a charter member of the Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management Action Committee and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). That means we're proactive in prevention, response and recovery from disease outbreaks, natural disaster, mass causalities, and bioterrorism. This is accomplished through planning and training exercises, and working with our community partners and first responders.
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene. However, it's possible that they cannot reach everyone immediately. In severe widespread cases, it may take days for respondents to provide direct help.
For that reason and to protect the county's public health, it is important that we equip you with the best information about emergency response and preparedness—your awareness plays an important part in staying safe.
Natural Disasters
There are a number of natural disasters that can disrupt your health, safety, and way of life. The best way to stay safe is to stay informed. The following resources are made available by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (for a full list, click here).
The Cape Girardeau County Public Health's Natural Disaster Pamphlet and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Public Health Guide to Safe Disaster Recovery both provide valuable information that help families prepare and recover from natural disasters. Please review them, and heed their guidance to keep your families safe.
Power Outages
Widespread outages may be triggered by natural disasters or work being done on electrical lines. Whatever the cause, power outages can be equally disruptive to your safety and health, especially as it relates to food safety.
If your power goes out for an extended period, see these Guidelines for Food Safety in Power Outages from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
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