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1. What is Bioterrorism?

Bioterrorism is a different type of terrorism. It involves the use of organisms for the purpose of spreading potentially deadly illnesses, viruses and infections. Bioterrorism is the illegal use of microorganisms or toxins to cause death or sickness in humans, animals, or plants. This is done to create fear, cause injury and/or death, and to threaten governments and communities.

2. What does Public Health do to prepare for disasters and emergencies?

Public Health has an important role in preparedness and response. Public Health response includes recognizing the disease and stopping and preventing the spread of disease. During outbreaks the department may set up dispensing sites to pass out medications and provide information to the community on ways to avoid catching the illness.

In the event of a disaster or emergency, the Iredell County Public Health Department has emergency procedures to help protect the community. These procedures include sharing information with the public on ways residents can protect themselves, and agreements with specific local agencies to set up medication clinics, as necessary. Finally, the Iredell County Public Health Department participates as a member of the emergency response community to work collaboratively on any public health emergency.

3. How do I make my own Disaster kit?

A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

4. Is there an Emergency Management application available for my phone?

ReadyNC FREE Mobile App is now Available

N.C. Emergency Management has developed a new mobile application available at the AppStore for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices. It is an all-in-one tool that both residents and visitors can use to get the latest weather, traffic and hazard information and know what to do to be safe. The app does not replace calling 911, but it can be used to find life-saving information.

The new app provides users with:
•real-time traffic and weather information
•critical information on how to be safe during different hazardous events
•real-time information about opened shelters for evacuees (including addresses, capacity, directions and if the shelter is pet-friendly)
•real-time updates on flood levels of major nearby creeks and rivers
•phone numbers and links to all North Carolina power companies to report outages
•basic instructions on how to develop emergency plans and what to put in your emergency supplies kit
•real-time information on which counties have issued evacuation orders
•contact numbers and links to websites for those who need help recovering from a disaster
•direct links to the ReadyNC.org and NCDPS.gov websites and social media accounts

The mobile application was developed by N.C. Emergency Management using Citizen Corps funds that are designated to foster emergency preparedness.
For more information, visit:
•www.ncdps.gov
•www.readync.org