Whether an emergency is caused by disease outbreak, wildfire, severe weather, earthquake or terrorist act, would you know what to do to help protect yourself and your family?

A Letter from Commissioner Crucetti

September 27, 2004

Dear Albany County Residents:

Long before the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Albany County has been preparing for emergencies that could affect you and your family. Many of our emergency planning efforts were strengthened in the late 1990’s in preparation for a potential “Y2K” event. Our preparedness activities have expanded considerably since then. Whether it is a naturally occurring disease like SARS or an intentional threat such as a bioterrorist act, emergency plans have been prepared to address such incidents.

Many community partners have been working collaboratively to develop our emergency preparedness plans. Albany County is fortunate to have an Executive Committee on Bioterrorism Preparedness that has met regularly since October 2002 to assist in the development of comprehensive strategies that would enable us to quickly respond to potential infectious disease threats such as Smallpox. Another excellent resource in our County is the Healthcare Emergency Operation Coordinating Committee (HEOCC) comprised of hospital representatives, emergency response personnel, and county public health and emergency management staff. During a major emergency the HEOCC will be activated and can provide urgently needed medical resources and support.

The Albany County Department of Health conducts disease surveillance with area hospitals to monitor diseases in Albany County. Our epidemiology and disease control staff are prepared to carry out an immediate investigation and implement control measures to prevent the spread of serious communicable diseases. We are enhancing plans to provide vaccinations or antibiotics to county residents on a large scale within a short time period should it ever be necessary. We are ready to access the Strategic National Stockpile to obtain needed medications and supplies in the event of a medical emergency. To test our response capability, we have conducted drills, exercises, and training and will continue to strengthen our preparedness plans as necessary.

This website contains resources and information about emergency preparedness that should be helpful for you and your family. Feel free to contact Ms. Terry Powers in our Health Education office at (518) 447-4648 if you have any questions. Please be assured that we are working hard to protect the health and well being of the citizens of Albany County.

Sincerely,

James B. Crucetti, M.D., M.P.H.
Commissioner of Health, County of Albany