News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, August 14, 2004 |
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
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HHS Deploys Emergency Response Team to Support State, Local Response to Hurricane Charley
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson is making available the Department's full and extensive emergency response resources to state, municipalities, hospitals and others in need of public health assistance for response to Hurricane Charley.
"We are making the full resources of HHS available to states, communities, hospitals and families in Hurricane Charley's path," Secretary Thompson said. "We are in constant contact with officials to prepare a rapid response to any storm damage and emergency health needs."
The HHS Command Center which operates 24 hours a day is staffing up and in constant communication with state and local emergency management operations, as well as other federal departments, including Homeland Security and the White House.
Secretary Thompson directed HHS officials to take the following steps to prepare for and respond to Hurricane Charley:
Working through state and local partners will maintain constant contact with hospitals, health centers and nursing homes in the path of the hurricane to ready a rapid response to any storm damage and emergency health needs. Monitor blood centers and banks, and stand ready to rapidly respond to any needs for blood as well as take necessary measures to ensure the safety of the blood supply. Work with state and local governments and the private sector to rapidly respond to protect the food and water supplies. HHS will work to make sure contaminated food or crops do not make it into the food supply, as well as help ensure the quality of water supplies. HHS will also work where required to ensure public health in the wake of any flooding or sewage backups. As required will make mental health advice and counsel available to communities, schools and individuals, including how to talk to children about natural disasters.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Last Revised: August 16, 2004
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