Emergency Preparedness

The Public Health Preparedness program writes and reviews many public health plans to protect all people in Walton County. The program assists many different community healthcare organizations by reviewing their comprehensive emergency management plans. Public Health Preparedness (PHP) staff serve as the Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8) Lead at the Walton County Emergency Operations Center. During disasters, these staff ensure adequate healthcare services are available, appropriate shelters for vulnerable populations are opened, and monitor the safety of the county's food and water supply. PHP staff provide many trainings and exercises throughout the year to ensure our staff are ready for any man-made or natural disaster affecting Walton County.

Response to Natural Disasters and Emergencies 

The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) responds to disaster by:

1. Being an active member of Walton County’s Emergency Operations Center that coordinates the health and medical response to all disasters including hurricanes.
2. Ensuring safety of food and water supplies during and after a disaster.
3. Preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
4. The health department works with health and medical facilities to develop a unified response plan.

Additional Resources 

Before the Storm (192 KB; pdf)
After the Storm (267 KB; pdf)
Special Needs Shelter Information
CDC: Anthrax
CDC: Biological
CDC: Bioterrorism
CDC: Chemical agents
CDC: Nuclear/Radiological
CDC: Smallpox
Flood
Radiological Incidents and the Florida Physician (174kb; pdf)
10 Rules for Emergency Responders (17kb; pdf)
10 Rules for the Public and Citizen Responder (57kb; pdf)
Tornadoes