Emergency Preparedness

Wanted: Volunteers

The Putnam County Health Department is in need of volunteers to help in the event of a public health catastrophe. Our training standard is that we have the capability of getting medication to every citizen of Putnam County within 48 hours of a disaster incident. In order to do that, we estimate that we need 300 workers/staff. The Putnam County Health Department employs 6 people. If a Public Health emergency were to occur, we would need help from volunteers, like you, to assist in protecting our community.

• How do I become a Health Department Volunteer?

  Simply complete our registration form and mail it or turn it into the Health Department at the address/fax number above.

  Volunteer Registration Form

• What does the job of a Health Department Volunteer entail?

  We need people to hand out forms. We need people to help other people fill out forms. We need people to collect the completed forms. We need people to carry messages from one table to another, or from one building to another. We need people who will direct traffic in a busy parking lot, regardless of the weather. Yes, we also need nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physician's assistants, medical technicians, counselors, social workers, psychologists, epidemiologists, EMT's and other medical professionals who are trained to vaccinate people, and who understand medications and can identify potential medicinal conflicts. If you are looking for a volunteer position in which you work every Tuesday afternoon or something like that, this is not the job for you. We need you when Putnam County has been affected with some calamity, not on a routine basis.

• What is a Public Health catastrophe/disaster?

  Worst case, we are talking about a biological or chemical attack upon a community or region. Lesser, but still serious incidents, disease outbreaks, or mass causality incidents. If something like this were to happen, the Health Department would have a few hours to set up a Point of Dispensing (a place where we could distribute medication to a lot of people in a short time) or a family assistant center (a place where family/friends could gather to get information during a mass causality incident). We already have arrangements with certain facilities within the county to use their space in a time of emergency. What we need are people to staff these facilities.

• Is training offered so I know what to do?

  Yes, we have an outstanding training resource, most of which is computer-based and on the internet. We would like each volunteer to take a 3 hour orientation course. But if a volunteer is interested in learning more, there are many additional courses available, mostly independent study, and it is all free of cost.

• How will I know if/when the Health Department needs my help?

  On your registration form, you will list your phone number and perhaps an email address. In the event of a Public Health Emergency, we would email, text (cell phones), and then telephone you, in that order, telling you where and when to report for work. All volunteers are also required to register through SERV-IN. SERV-IN is an acronym for State Emergency Registry of Volunteers for Indiana which is an electronic registration system and database of local, regional, and statewide volunteer programs that want to assist public health and healthcare systems during an event or disaster. To Register with SERV-IN go to this link: https://www.serv-in.org.

• Aside from helping my neighbors, what benefit do I get from volunteering to help the Health Department?

  As a volunteer, you and your family would get any medication or vaccination we are about to distribute before the general population.

• What would my working conditions be like?

  With the exception of the volunteers who are directing traffic, you would be working inside a building, generally sitting at a table and talking to other citizens, answering their questions, and providing them with information. There are a lot of variables as to how the Points of Dispensing (POD) would be operated, but the most intense demand is 48 hours straight of operations, divided into 12-hour shifts. If 12 hours is more than you feel like you can give at one time, please let us know on your registration form, and we will work with you to allow you to work a 6 or 8-hour shift.

• What about eating? What about other breaks? I cannot work for 12 hours straight.

  We understand that and are prepared for that. We have arrangements with other organizations within the County which will provide food for our workers in times of disaster. We will also ensure all of our workers get regular breaks.

• Pandemic Flu Preparedness Calendar

  (preparedness for any type of disaster)
  (Amount of food and water may need to be increased for multiple family members)
  Prepared by: Putnam County Health Department

  Week 1 Grocery Store 1 gal. water* 1 sm jar peanut butter* 1 lrg can juice* hand-operated can opener instant coffee, tea, powdered soft drinks permanent marking pen 1 gal of water per pet Also: pet food, diapers, and/or baby food if needed. Make a family plan. Date each perishable food item using a marking pen Identify tornado shelter areas in your home & at work.	Week 2 Hardware Store Crescent wrench Heavy rope Duct tape 2 flashlights with batteries "bungee" cords Also: a leash or carrier for your pet, if needed. Check your house for hazards. Secure loose objects that may fly. Locate your gas meter and water shutoffs and attach a wrench near them for emergency use.	Week 3 Grocery Store 1 gal. water* 1 can fruit* 1 can meat* sanitary napkins videotape 1 gallon of water per pet Also: pet food, diapers, and/or baby food if needed. Use a video camera to tape the contents of your home for insurance purposes Store tape with family/friend that lives out of town.	Week 4 Hardware Store Plumber's tape Crowbar Smoke detector with battery Also: extra medications or a prescription marked "emergency use" if needed Install or test your smoke detector
  Week 5 Grocery Store 1 gal water* 1 can fruit* 1 can meat* 1 can vegetables* 2 rolls toilet paper* extra toothbrush* travel size toothpaste Also: special food for special diets, if needed Identify an outside meeting location for Fire Emergencies Make sure all family members know the meeting location Have a fire drill at home.	Week 6 First Aid Supplies Aspirin and/or acetaminophen Compresses Rolls of gauze or bandages First aid tape Adhesive bandages- assorted sizes Also: extra hearing aid batteries, if needed Check with your child's daycare or school to find out about their disaster plans Have a tornado drill at home	Week 7 Grocery Store 1 gal. water* 1 can ready to eat soup* 1 can fruit* 1 can vegetables* Also:  extra plastic baby bottles, formula, and diapers, if needed Establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency.	Week 8 First Aid Supplies Scissors Tweezers Antiseptic Thermometer Liquid hand soap Disposable hand wipes Sewing kit Also: Extra eyeglasses, if needed. Place a pair of shoes and flashlight under your bed so that they are handy during an emergency
  Week 9 Grocery Store 1 can ready to eat soup* Liquid dish soap Plain liquid bleach Heavy-duty garbage bags Also: saline solution and a contact lens case, if needed. Send some of your favorite family photos (or copies) to family members out of state for safekeeping.	Week 10 Hardware Store Waterproof portable plastic container (with lid) for important papers Portable AM/FM radio (with batteries) Purchase an NOAA weather radio/receiver Also: blankets or sleeping bag for each family member Make photocopies of important papers and store them safely.	Week 11 Grocery Store 1 lrg can juice* large plastic food bags 1 box quick energy snacks 3 rolls of paper towels Also: sunscreen, if needed Store a roll of quarters for emergency phone calls. Go on a hunt with your family to find a payphone near home.	Week 12 First Aid Supplies Anti-diarrhea medicine Rubbing alcohol Latex gloves (or nitrile) Syrup of Ipecac and activated charcoal Vitamins Also: items for denture care, if needed Take your family on a field trip to gas and water meter shut-off valves. Show them what to do in an emergency.