Protecting and Preparing Will County

It has been five years since a terrorist act visited America's shores, but the terror threat is as real today as it was on September 11, 2001. The current terror threat, coupled with genuine risks posed by potential pandemic influenza emergencies, underscores the need for ongoing emergency preparedness and response planning on all governmental levels.

For years the Will County Emergency Management Agency has coordinated local emergency and disaster mitigation, preparedness, planning, response, and recovery efforts. This work is done in conjunction with the State of Illinois, private organizations, businesses, and the public. The agency accomplishes its mission through a wide array of programmatic efforts, including development of emergency plans; conduct of disaster exercises; development of emergency communications and warning systems; operation of specialized emergency response units; elevation of public awareness and education; and guidance to local units of government.

As the threat of Bioterrorism and Pandemic Influenza became more prevalent, the Illinois Department of Public Health, through funding received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, made available emergency preparedness grants to local health departments across the State of Illinois. The Will County Health Department received grant awards to develop Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans for Bioterrorism and Pandemic Influenza. Qualified staff was hired and immediately began putting into place a system of disease surveillance, public health emergency planning, and ongoing training and exercises to enhance its capabilities to respond quickly and effectively to public health threats. If a disease cluster or community outbreak is discovered, the public health infrastructure at both the state and local level is prepared to move quickly to identify the disease and its possible source. Public health information, treatment options, advice, and notification of any activation of an emergency plan would be provided to the public via the news media and other sources.

Remember, homeland security begins at home. Will County has agencies prepared and ready to respond at a moments notice to assist our citizens in the event of any type of emergency. Professional staff, comprised of Certified Emergency Managers, Public Health Emergency Response Coordinators, Epidemiologists, and Disaster Planners work many hours to ensure that our citizens will be prepared, notified, and informed about our plans and also about how they will be impacted before, during, and after a crisis. But, it is the additional preparedness steps taken by individuals and families that will make the difference. Please download information from this website, keep it in a handy place where it can be accessed easily, and remember to stay informed and prepared at home.

Emergency Preparedness & Response Program

The Will County Health Department is acutely aware of the need to be prepared for potential Bioterrorism events as well as for all types of public health emergencies. We employ two full-time staff members who work exclusively in our Emergency Preparedness & Response program. Our Emergency Response Coordinator develops emergency plans for Bioterrorism events and Pharmaceutical Stockpile Distribution Plans that will effectively provide medication for the citizens of Will County in the event of an attack with a biological agent. Our Epidemiologist works closely with local hospitals and the medical community in monitoring disease outbreaks and illnesses that could signal a significant public health emergency or Bioterrorism attack. This staff stays current on all events related to national Bioterrorism policy and also works closely with the Will County Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster response efforts should they occur. In support of our Emergency Preparedness & Response staff, we have also employed contractual program staff that lends expertise in a variety of emergency related planning areas. And, to enhance our response efforts a 25-member Emergency Response Team was created from within our Health Department Divisions.

Our entire organization works with local first responders, hospitals, schools, and government agencies to establish protocols for investigation of and response to any suspicious communicable disease outbreak or potential biological attack. In the event of a biological attack or public health emergency, the Health Department will coordinate a countywide response with the above agencies; provide useful information to the general public, health professionals, government, and community leaders; and facilitate medical management of exposed persons by activating plans for mass treatment and/or mass distribution of medication and medical supplies.