Helping you prepare

QVHD’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program plans for and responds to emergencies in Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, and Woodbridge. Emergencies include natural disasters, an act of terrorism, disease outbreaks, and more. QVHD is committed to monitoring the availability of public health services and communicating updates/ instructions to towns providing assistance in their emergency shelters.

QVHD relies on our Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit to aid during emergency responses. Anyone 18+ is eligible to join, if you’re interested in joining or learning more click the button below or email Elisabeth Matuska, the MRC Region 2 lead, at ematuska@esdhd.org;

Start Preparing Today

The unexpected can happen at any time without any warning.  Being prepared is the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy during an emergency.

  • 5 Types of Emergencies

     1. Severe Weather: Blizzard, Hurricane, Severe Heat

     2. Natural Disasters: Earthquake, Tornado, Tsunami. 

     3. Disease Outbreak: Ebola, Enterovirus.

     4. Bioterrorism: Anthrax, Clostridium Botulism.

     5. Chemical Exposure: Cyanide, DDT, HydroChloride. text goes here

    Stay informed by educating yourself on the type of events that can potentially occur in your area.

    Information on Disasters & Emergencies

  • 1. Build a Kit - Gather emergency supplies for your home, your car AND your workplace

    - Emergency Supply List

    - Prepare Your Car for an emergency

    2. Make a Plan - Develop a Family Disaster Plan

    - Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan PDF

    3. Be Informed - Know what disasters can affect your area and what to do before, during and after an emergency

  • Evacuation Routes- Plan for how you would evacuate, what you would need before, during & after.

    Emergency Shelters-

    Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, where you work or other location when other emergencies arise. The length of time you are required to take shelter may be short, such as during a tornado warning, or during a pandemic. In all cases, it is important that you stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities.

    Choosing to take shelter is necessary in many emergencies. This can mean: Stay-At- Home, Going to a Mass Care Shelter, or Sheltering in Place.

    Learn more about sheltering & the distinctions between.

    Returning Home- Know when it's safe to return home after a disaster.

  • Emergencies can happen at any moment causing excessive stress for families. Learn how to prepare individuals and animals with special needs prior to an emergency.

    Older Populations: Many people depend on daily medications, assistive devices, etc., plan ahead by considering your needs well in advance.

    Disabled: Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare

    Children: Every member of your family should be included in the preparedness process, visit Ready Kits for tools and information to get ahead.

    Pets: Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.