The Health Department continues its strong involvement in the Region Five Domestic Security Task Forst. The emphasis has shifted to an all hazards approach. We, along with our law enforcement and fire service partners, have been making steady progress addressing hazardous events which may impact the county. Many of our plans were put to the test during the storms of September 2004, offering the opportunity of a very wet 'dry run' for many of our plans and procedures.
With the ending of universal small pox vaccinations in 1972, the "herd immunity" which protected the country from serious outbreaks was gradually lost, placing the community at risk of biological attack. The Department took a leading role in Vaccinate Florida, the state response to the possible threat of small pox as a terrorist weapon. A cross discipline health department staff received their vaccinations in 2003, creating a nucleus of responders. Vaccinations were then offered to law enforcement and fire department personnel. Because of the complexity of small pox vaccinations, this is being used as the benchmark for all mass vaccination planning.
Florida is a prime target for both natural and man-made disasters. Whether it comes in the form of inclement weather, wildfire, anthrax scare or nuclear accident, Florida residents must be prepared. The St. Lucie County Health Department believes in providing the residents of our county with informative and up-to-date information to create your own Family Disaster Plan.
The Family Preparedness Guide was created by the State of Florida through the Department of Health. It is a great tool that includes * a fill-in Family Plan for Disasters and Emergencies * Steps for making a Disaster Supply Kit * Facts about natural and man-made threats. The Family Preparedness Guide is available in English  (pdf 939kb),
Spanish (pdf 934kb) and Creole (pdf 894kb).
For more information on Preparedness Planning and Readiness, visit the
Office of Public Health Preparedness and
The Office of Emergency Operations - Disaster Preparedness .
Special Needs
Are you a person with special needs? Do you need constant medical care or have problems breathing? These links should be helpful to you.
Special Needs Emergency Preparedness Planning
People with Breathing Problems
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