Emergency Preparedness
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response (PHEPR) program prepares public health staff, health care providers, and other community agencies to respond effectively to public health emergencies in Spokane County.
We also lead emergency response for eastern Washington (Region 9) which includes: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend
Orielle, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman Counties.
In
the event of an emergency, the Spokane Regional Health District will
communicate with the public through the local media. Information will
also be posted to this website and the Health Information
Line – (509) 323-2847.
Public Health Authority
Local health officers and
boards of health have broad legal authority to protect the life and
health of the people within their jurisdictions. This authority is
combined with other local emergency response authority and state
authority to respond to public health emergencies. The
Health Officer leads all emergency response activities for the Spokane
Regional Health District and makes decisions on staffing, resources and
investigation direction needs.
Legal authority of the local Health Officer:
- Required to institute disease prevention and infection control measures (WAC 246-100-036)
- Authorized to carry out necessary steps to prevent disease and control infection (WAC 246-101-505)
- Authorized to enforce the public health statutes of the state and all local health rules, regulations and ordinances (RCW 70.05.070)
Legal authority of local Board of Health:
- Directed to take actions to preserve life and health of people within their jurisdiction (RCW 70.05.060)
LEARN MORE:
Health Topic A-Z:
Personal Preparedness - Tips to prepare your family for emergencies