Public Health and Illnesses

Is it a cold?  Is it the flu?  What do I need to do to stay healthy after a disaster.  There are lots of things you can do to avoid getting sick and things you canPeople washing their hands do while you are getting better like visiting the New Hanover County Health and Human Services web page to learn about accessing services that support optimal health and well-being for all residents.  Visit the CDC's Natural Disasters and Severe Weather web site for more ideas and resources to help keep you healthy before, during, and after a disaster.

  • Make sure you have an emergency supply of prescription medications. Don't forget to keep a list of your medications. It's also a good idea to put an empty (but current) medicine bottle or pill container in your disaster kit that has the medication, dosage, your doctor's name, and yourPeople learning how to do hands-only CPR pharmacy information.
  • Take a CPR class and learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).  Every minute CPR is delayed, a victim's chance of survival decreases by 10%.  Immediate CPR can double their chance of survival.. "Hands only" CPR doesn't involve breathing into a person's mouth, but focuses on good chest compressions.  
  • Have backup electricity sources, especially if someone in your home uses medical devices requiring electricity like an oxygen machine or a device that depends on batteries to operate. This includes basics like:
    • Emergency lighting, such as a flashlight, head lamp, or battery-powered lantern
    • Extra batteries in common sizes, such as AA and AAA
    • Hearing aid batteries
    • A generator with at least 20 feet of extension cord(s) rated for outdoor use and enough fuel to keep it running.
    • Car charger(s), power banks, and adapters for home use equipment and devices
    • A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio with USB port(s)
    • Battery-powered or -backup smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
    • Appliance thermometers for your refrigerator and freezer
    • A surge protector power strip(s)
    • Warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, and emergency (or space) blankets to keep you warm in cold temperatures
  • Collect and protect important documents and medical records.  This includes important documents, insurance cards, personal identification, and other personal data that might serve as proof of insurance or identity, or instruct others on how to help you in an emergency. This includes: