Public Health Preparedness

The Berrien County Health Department’s Emergency Preparedness program follows the All-hazards approach to emergency preparedness planning and response. Our purpose is to help prepare the general public, our agency, and community partners for public health emergencies. 

All Hazards Planning

The health department plans for all types of emergencies and disasters, man-made and natural. Public Health Emergencies include:

• Bioterrorism; when weaponized agents like Anthrax or Smallpox are used
• Disease Outbreaks like Chickenpox and Tuberculosis
• Food-Borne Illnesses such as Norovirus and Salmonella
• Incidents Involving Hazardous Materials
• Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies
• Weather Emergencies such as extreme heat, cold, tornadoes

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The Health Department helps fire departments and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) first responders plan for a coordinated response to HAZMAT incidents. HAZMAT spills can occur in a factory or business place, on the roads as a result of a transportation accident, or on a farm during pesticide application. For more information on the Berrien County LEPC and its meetings, contact the Berrien County Sheriff Department’s Emergency Management Office or contact the Berrien County Health Department’s Emergency Services Coordinator. 

The Berrien County Disaster Committee

A forum to discuss emergency preparedness matters and plan for emergency response to all forms of hazards. There are Multiple sub-committees dealing with: volunteer resources, Homeland Security, animals and agriculture; Communications; exercise and training; transportation and evacuation; public Information and notification; special needs populations and more. For more information on the Berrien County Disaster Committee and its meetings, contact the Berrien County Sheriff Department’s Emergency Management Office or contact the Berrien County Health Department’s Emergency Services Coordinator.

5th District Medical Response Coalition

The 5th District Medical Response Coalition is a group of agencies joined together to ensure a coordinated medical response in the event of an emergency. This coalition consists of over 80 members from Emergency Management, Hospitals, EMS, Public Health and other Public Service Agencies such as the Red Cross and Community Mental Health.