FDOH-Escambia 2020 Preparedness

PREPAREDNESS

A natural or man-made disaster can occur at any moment, and the department is committed to preparedness and response efforts to protect our community as well as other communities across the state. The Public Health Preparedness program assists community organizations in developing formal disaster preparedness plans and participates as the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 lead agency in the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center. During disasters, staff work to ensure adequate shelter for vulnerable populations and monitor the safety of the food and water supply.

Working to Respond Faster

The Florida Department of Health uses the Everbridge Mass Notification System to provide quick communications to employees, volunteers, and partner organizations. This system also supports a variety of personnel who may be called to action during disasters, all-hazards response efforts, and other public health activities. Quarterly drills are executed to measure how efficiently we can respond within one hour.

Everbridge Drill Response

Q3 Jan – Mar 2020 88.0%

Q4 Apr – Jun 2020*

Q1 Jul – Sep 2020 96.2%

Q2 Oct – Dec 2020 94.6%

*Everbridge Drill was not conducted as staff were dedicated to COVID-19 test site.

U-Count Event Providing Vaccinations for the Homeless

On January 23, 2020, FDOH- Escambia participated in the 2020 U-Count Homeless Resource Day event sponsored by Opening Doors Northwest Florida, our Homeless Coalition. U-Count is a single-day, “one stop shop” event that provides care and services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Over 300 participants received services at the event.

FDOH-Escambia offered Hepatitis A and Influenza vaccinations. Student nurses from the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College volunteered to help vaccinate participants.

78 PARTICIPANTS REGISTERED FOR VACCINATIONS

67 RECEIVED THE HEPATITIS A VACCINE

51 RECEIVED THE INFLUENZA VACCINE

U-Count Homeless Resource Day event on January 23, 2020.

PICTURED ABOVE:

Record-Breaking Hurricane Season

Hurricane Laura Activated 09/28/2020 for 24 hours

Hurricane Zeta Activated 10/24/2020 for 24 hours

Christie Gillenwater, DOH-Escambia Environmental Specialist, at the Community Outreach Resource Fair on September 26, 2020.

Hurricane Sally

Hurricane Sally made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on September 16, 2020 near Gulf Shores, Alabama leading to significant damage and flooding as it moved through the Florida Panhandle. The storm substantially impacted Escambia County, causing 90% of residents to lose power. During this public health emergency, FDOH- Escambia responded to meet the needs of the community.

Activation of the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) prompted FDOH- Escambia’s responsibility as the lead coordinating agency for Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8. FDOH-Escambia staff provided leadership in coordinating and integrating overall County efforts to provide health and medical assistance to affected areas and populations. In anticipation of Hurricane Sally’s potential impacts, Escambia opened shelters on September 14. Disaster Team 7 was activated to staff the special needs shelter, which was co-located with the general population shelter at the Pensacola Bay Center. Staff completed 35 written requests from LTCs/ALFs, hospitals, physician’s offices and clinics, and funeral homes. Additionally, an Environmental Health Strike Team was utilized and conducted over 320 environmental assessments within the community.

FDOH-Escambia provided appropriate, coordinated, and timely information to the public. Marie Mott, FDOH-Escambia Administrator and Health Officer participated in several EOC press conferences. FDOH-Escambia’s Public Information Office ensured that the public was well informed on relevant health advisories via various communications channels including press releases and social media platforms.

Community Outreach Resource Fair for Renters Impacted by Hurricane Sally

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Sally to Escambia County, team members from divisions across FDOH-Escambia volunteered to participate in a 3-day community outreach event. The event was held from September 25 through September 27, 2020 and was tailored for renters impacted by Hurricane Sally. DOH-Escambia team members from CHEN, EH and WIC were able to provide resources on flooding, drain and cover, healthy eating, available services, etc. to event attendees.

Damage from Hurricane Sally

Damage from Hurricane Sally

FDOH-Escambia Staff responding to Hurricane Sally.