Jackson County Public Health Emergency Preparedness plays a crucial role in the health and safety of communities in Eastern Jackson County in preparing for, responding to, and mitigating public health disasters.
Meet Ready the Raccoon!
Ready the Raccoon is Jackson County Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness mascot, chosen by YOU in fall 2024. Over the course of a month, we introduced four mascot candidates up for the job: Alert the Owl, Safe the Squirrel, Ready the Raccoon, and Prepare the Bear. You voted on social media or in person for Ready the Raccoon!
“It’s nice to meet you!” says Ready. “I like skateboarding, swimming, watching movies like Twister, and collecting vintage toys. My favorite food is ANYTHING. Oh, and go Chiefs!”
As JCPH’s official Emergency Preparedness mascot, Ready the Raccoon is always learning about how to be equipped for disasters and sharing new knowledge with us. Check out the FAQs and resources below, and connect with us on social media to follow all of Ready’s adventures!
What is a public health emergency?
The National Disaster Medical System defines a public health emergency as an emergency need for health care services in response to a disaster, significant outbreak of an infectious disease, bio-terrorism attack, or other significant or catastrophic event. Tornados, flooding, and pandemics are examples of public health emergencies we have experienced here in Eastern Jackson County.
How does JCPH prepare for emergencies?
Jackson County Public Health Emergency Preparedness partners with local agencies to strengthen our community’s ability to respond to a range of public health emergencies, including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, and nuclear events.
Our goal is to coordinate, plan, and communicate with the community to build more resilient communities which are prepared to handle and rapidly recover from threats that affect the health of the public. This includes providing lifesaving medications during a pandemic or biological terrorism incident, releasing emergency information and warnings, and monitoring disease outbreaks.
How can I prepare for an emergency?
It takes all of us to be prepared. In addition to exploring the resources on this page, here are a few first steps you can take to be ready like Ready!
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts for your zip code on your mobile device.
- Create or update your emergency kit(s) for your home and car.
- Make an emergency plan with your family or neighbors.
Family Preparedness
In 2015, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a study that found that 60% of American adults have not practiced their at-home disaster plan and that only 39% of respondents have even developed an at-home emergency plan.
It’s not every day that we think about preparing our families or homes for an emergency. Sometimes, we don’t even know where to start. That’s where we come in – follow the links below to learn more about what you can do be prepared in disaster situations.
Severe Weather
By the time severe weather hits, it could already be too late. Disaster preparedness is about having an established safety plan in place. Whether it’s preparedness for floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or fires, the key to survival in disasters is planning. Plus, make sure to follow the National Weather Service for severe weather alerts.
During the winter, you can consult the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services or the Jackson County resource page for a list of warming centers near you.
How to Get Involved:
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to take an active role in emergency preparedness for you and your community. Without volunteers, public health emergency preparedness programs would struggle to fulfill their purpose. We rely on volunteers with a variety of skillsets, and healthcare experience is not required.
Volunteer Opportunities in Jackson County:
1. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
MRC of Greater Kansas City is made up of medical, health, dental, mental health and other skilled professionals trained to assist during public health emergencies. http://www.mrcgkc.org/
2. Kansas City Regional Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)
COAD is made up of volunteer organizations and community organizations interested in helping prepare or respond to their community in potential emergency and disaster situations. https://kcregionalcoad.org/
3. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Programs
CERT Programs educate people about disaster preparedness and
train them in basic disaster response skills. Raytown and Independence both offer CERT programs.
4. Show-Me Response
Show-Me Response is a Missouri based volunteer credentialing system allowing local agencies to access licensed or non-licensed, vetted volunteers during an emergency situation. To register, visit: https://www.showmeresponse.org/index.php
5. Truman Medical Center (TMC) Volunteer Program
TMC volunteer program– allows individuals to volunteer in a hospital setting for licensed and unlicensed positions. TMC volunteers are directly accessible to Jackson County Public Health to assist in emergency operations and response. https://www.trumed.org/about-us/volunteer-opportunities/
