The Waukesha County Public Health Division created an Emergency Preparedness Team in response to the events of September 11, 2001 and subsequent anthrax attacks.  Public health emergency preparedness plans were expanded and enhanced to protect Waukesha County residents from bioterrorism threats, as well as from natural disasters, accidents, and infectious diseases outbreaks. 

In order to have a comprehensive response to public health emergencies, the Public Health Division has collaborated and coordinated with the Waukesha County Department of Emergency Preparedness, as well as, the State of Wisconsin Division of Public Health, other local health departments, area hospitals, health care providers, and community organizations.  Plans have been developed to prepare for, identify, prevent, respond to, and recover from all types of public health emergencies.  Public health personnel engage in on-going preparedness training including emergency response drills and exercises.

Quick Links:

General Preparedness Information

Waukesha County citizens share in the responsibility to be aware of and prepare for potential public health threats and emergencies.  It is recommended that citizens develop a disaster plan and kit to be ready for natural health threats (such as a pandemic flu outbreak or SARS), an act of bioterrorism, an accidental release of a chemical or other substance, or a natural disaster (such as a tornado or flood).  The following links contain valuable information to help you prepare your family for the unexpected: 

•  http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/plan/ 
•  www.ready.wi.gov for family emergency plan and kit
•  http://www.redcross.org/ 
•  www.fema.gov/areyouready/ 

 Public health response to outbreaks

Public health has plans to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, whether they are naturally occuring or are man-made. Examples of naturally occurring infectious disease outbreaks that cause public health concern include:  pandemic influenza (H1N1 or avian/bird flu), SARS, hepatitis A, and bacterial meningitis.  Examples of diseases that could be used as a bioterrorism weapon include: anthrax, smallpox and plague. 

If an infectious disease outbreak threatens Waukesha County, the Public Health Division is prepared to respond by setting up mass clinics or a Point of Dispensing (POD) to dispense vaccines or medications. Click here to see 10 quick facts on PODS.

In the event of a public health emergency, Waukesha County Public Health will communicate with residents in a variety of ways.  Information will be on television, the radio, newspapers, special hotlines, 2-1-1, and on this website. Included will be information about the disease and its symptoms, who is at risk, where to go for preventative medication or vaccine, and where you should seek medical attention if you become ill.

 If further information is desired, please contact the Public Health Division at 262-896-8430, or toll-free at 1-800-540-3620. TTY/TDD 262-896-8234

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact a medical professional or call 911.