The Ogle County Health Department is continually working to prepare itself for an appropriate and effective response to any disaster or bioterrorist threat, with the purpose of protecting the health, welfare and safety of Ogle County citizens.

Emergency Response Activities/Plans in Place

• 24-hour availability in the event of a disaster requiring health department involvement
• Local/Regional Coordination & Communication, OCHD works within several local and/or regional committees:
  • Ogle County Bioterrorism Advisory Committee
  • Rochelle Community Hospital Disaster Task Force
  • Homeland Security Region 2 (includes Ogle, Lee, Boone, Dekalb, Winnebago)
  • Winnebago County Infectious Disease Committee
• Nuclear Disaster Response, OCHD participates with State, County and City law enforcement, emergency services, fire departments, towns, schools, coroner, American Red Cross and other services in the Exelon Nuclear Disaster Drill held every other year in Ogle County
• "Medication Distribution Plan" outlines a process for mass distribution of immunizations, antibiotics or antidotes to Ogle County citizens
• Health Alert Network (HAN)- OCHD staff have access to a statewide internet site which provides all local health departments with up-to-date reports, information and directions for action on the latest events occurring which could affect the health and safety of local citizens. OCHD Staff check into this site at least twice daily in order to stay informed and prepared for situations as they unfold.
• Public Information, OCHD staff answer questions by phone and in person, distribute materials to individuals and groups, provide presentations at health care institutions, worksites and organizations, respond to media questions, and strive to prevent misinformation, minimize panic and assist the public in taking the most appropriate steps to protect themselves and their families.

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