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CABARRUS COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN <br />ANNEX J <br /> PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES <br /> <br />I. PURPOSE <br /> <br /> This annex provides guidance for the protection of public health during emergency <br />situations. <br /> <br />II. SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS <br /> <br />A. Situation <br /> <br /> 1. Emergency situations can create a variety of public health problems. Depending <br />on the nature of the incident, problems may include the spread of communicable diseases, <br />contamination of food and water supplies, and widespread injuries. The lack of medical <br />assistance and the stress of the situation may cause an increase in general health ,and <br />behavioral health problems. ~' <br /> <br /> 2. A well-coordinated health support network is essential during emergency <br />situations. Emergency response operations may require an expansion of services provided <br />by the Cabarms Health Alliance, Piedmont Behavioral Health Care and the Cabarrus <br />Regional Medical Examiner. <br /> <br /> 3. Health services agencies must be prepared to meet an array of threats to public <br />health. Of particular concern are the hazards caused by the release of toxic or hazardous <br />materials, and the resulting contamination of the air, water or soil over a large area. <br /> <br />B. Assumptions <br /> <br /> 1. A large-scale emergency will result in increased demands on health services <br />personnel and resources. <br /> <br /> 2. Citizens will administer first aid and self-treat many types of injuries regardless <br />of severity. <br /> <br /> 3. Resources are available through area and regional medical, behavioral health and <br />mortuary services mutual aid agreements. <br /> <br /> 4. The Emergency Management Coordinator will request assistance from State and <br />Federal agencies when local resources can no longer meet the demands of the situation. If <br />necessary the State or Federal agencies may assume control of the response. <br /> <br /> 5. A widespread disaster situation could affect large areas of the county and disrupt, <br />damage, or destroy public health services and resources. <br /> <br />EOP/ANNEX J 1 <br /> <br />December 2000 <br /> <br /> <br />