Step 12 Public Health Emergency – Wash your Hands! Cover Your Cough

Public Health Emergencies may be caused by infectious illness, food and waterborne illnesses, or even man made attacks.

In the event of a man made attack which threatens public health, emergency management officials will provide information, direction, and in some cases, vaccine or medicine to the community at no cost. Always follow the directions of emergency management officials.

If the water supply becomes somehow tainted, the City of Oxnard will issue a “Boil Water” alert and officials will provide direction on where and how to obtain safe drinking water.

Most public health emergencies are caused by infectious illness. The good news is that most illness can be prevented from spreading by taking these very simple steps:

• Wash your hands – thoroughly – with soap and warm water – often. If you don’t have access to water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough by coughing into your sleeve. If you must use your hands to cover your cough, wash them immediately.
• If you’re sick – stay away from others.
• Use an approved respirator mask (Type N95).

Helpful web sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov/
Ventura County Health Care Agency – www.vchca.org

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