Emergency Preparedness

The Emergency Preparedness Program works with the Grant County healthcare community and other community partners to respond to public health emergencies in Grant County and throughout North Central Washington (Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas & Okanogan Counties). Public health preparedness and response activities strengthen the public health and healthcare systems to handle emergencies of all sizes.

Local emergency planning efforts by hospitals, public health, and other community entities are integrated with comprehensive plans developed by Grant County Emergency Management.

Public health preparedness activities include:

  • Development of the Regional Healthcare Coalition
  • Enhancement of local emergency preparedness and response plans
  • Development of effective disease surveillance and communications systems
  • Enhancement of risk communications capacity, and
  • Providing for related education and training

Prepare for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. Weather such as wind, heavy rain, snow or ice, and extreme weather can lead to injury, illness, or even death.  Preparing ahead of time is the best way to keep yourself and others safe and healthy in a disaster situation.

Have a Kit

Have an emergency kit. Plan for at least three days of basic supplies, and up to two weeks of medically-related supplies. Use the following link to build your emergency kit.  

Get Ready

During an emergency is not the time to learn how to work equipment or look for batteries. Periodically check your emergency kit to make sure it’s current and that there are batteries for flashlights and a radio readily available. Be familiar with the operating instructions for your generator if you plan to use one and include a copy user’s manual in your emergency kit.

If the Power Goes Out

Be Informed

Knowing what to do and what not to do in an emergency is very important and can drastically affect the outcomes of a disaster.

If you had a pop quiz tomorrow, would you rather it be open book or closed book? Use the following links to get the answers before disaster strikes. Be sure to print what you need and store it in a waterproof bag in your emergency kit.  You don’t have to memorize the answers, but should have them available for when you need them most!

Blood Donation

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This could be a little girl in the ICU or a mother with Stage 3 leukemia. If you’re worried about needles, don’t be—most blood donors compare the experience to a mild, split-second pinch! The entire process is very safe and very fast, and you will feel amazing knowing you potentially saved up to three people. Unsure where to donate? Visit Vitalent's website and click on “donate now”. Enter your zip code to find the nearest blood drive near you. Because of You, Life Doesn’t Stop.

Supporting Documents

  1. Blood Types (PDF)
  2. Carbon Monoxide Safety (PDF)
  3. Emergency Supply List (PDF)
  4. Protecting Your Private Water Supply in an Emergency (PDF)
  5. Pump Septic Systems - What to Do During a Power Outage (PDF)