Preparing for events prior to a public health emergency is imperative. Hamilton County Health’s EPP Department is responsible for planning, response, and recovery efforts associated with a public health disaster. A public health disaster can be man-made such as the release of a biological or chemical agent, or natural, such as a flood, tornado, or earthquake. We collaborate with community, state and federal partners to develop effective strategies and plans.
Emergency Preparedness Main Number: (423) 209-8010
The Emergency Response Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and developing emergency plans for events that can have an impact on public health in Hamilton County. The coordinator works with Hamilton County agencies and non-profit organizations as they work together to address emergency planning/preparedness within our community. As the ERC, the coordinator also serves as a liaison between the health department and other agencies during emergencies. The coordinator is also responsible for developing trainings and exercises for public health staff.
Contact Jenny: VirginiaW@HamiltonTN.gov
Jenny serves as a central point of contact between hospitals and public health for the distribution and exchange of information related to emergency planning and response. She coordinates and conducts cooperative emergency preparedness exercises for the enhancement of interoperability between hospital and public health organizations. During the exercises or in an actual emergency, she facilitates communication between hospitals, public health, and other emergency response agencies in an Incident Command System environment.
The Emergency Management Planner's main role is to develop and maintain public health emergency response plans. They participate in the development and execution of emergency response drills. They are also responsible for maintaining the Health Department Facility Emergency plans and assists in the development and implementation of new projects.
The MRC Volunteer Coordinator serves as a community liaison for our Public Health Emergency Preparedness Volunteer Program. They develop trainings for existing volunteers, recruits new MRC volunteers and provides education regarding personal preparedness to community members and businesses. They communicate available opportunities for participation in various events such as community education, exercises and real emergency response events. They are also responsible for developing and maintaining emergency response plans.
Senior Secretary
The secretary's main duties are to schedule and set-up meetings, take meeting minutes, track staff training, communicate with staff regarding training needs, enter new staff into various databases and to assist other EPP staff as needed.
Emergency Preparedness FAQs
Emergency preparedness is the process of taking preventive measures to minimize the effects of a disaster.
It is every person’s responsibility to be prepared for emergencies. Advance planning will help citizens manage an emergency
Families should develop an emergency plan to prepare their home and family in case of an emergency such as a natural disaster or other situation. It is important to have an emergency kit, make a plan and to stay informed on what’s happening. Visit www.hamiltonready.org for more information as well as planning resources.
Businesses need to make Continuity of Operations Plans. A Continuity of Operations Plan outlines how a business would maintain operations during disasters or emergencies. Emergency situations can have a variety of impacts on a business. These situations may impact the number of staff available. A business’s usual work site may be inaccessible and an alternate location could be required. Visit www.hamiltonready.org for more information as well as planning resources.