June 11, 2009

Hampton Emergency Preparedness Exercises

Hampton will be participating in emergency preparedness exercises June 16 through June 19 at various locations around the city. This training is to prepare for a possible bioterrorism attack by practicing mass antibiotic distribution methods. If there should be an attack, the Health Department and its partners will need to dispense prophylactic antibiotics to all residents within 48 hours.

Exercise participants will practice giving out antibiotics (candy) in order to practice methods for rapid distribution.

Organizations participating include Bethel High School, Sentara CarePlex Hospital, Community Services Board, Hampton Health Department, Hampton's Emergency Operations Center, Hampton Public Works Department, and Hampton Police and Fire Departments.

Other Hampton Roads localities will also be participating in these exercises in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health.

This is a routine exercise as part of a comprehensive approach to prepare Hampton in the case of an emergency.

 

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Media Contact: Rebecca Bolte, Public Communications Manager