Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. We have to work together, as a team, to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are ready. Individuals are encouraged to: put together an emergency supply kit; make a family emergency plan; be prepared to help your neighbor; and work as a team to keep everyone safe.
DCHD’s Emergency Preparedness and Planning program helps ensure that public health, local partners, and the community are ready to respond to emergencies that could impact the health and safety of Defiance County residents.
Our work includes:
- Developing and updating emergency response plans
- Maintaining supplies and equipment needed during a response
- Providing training and exercises to strengthen community readiness
The DCHD Emergency Response Plan (ERP), Annexes, and Appendices are available for public review. Please note these documents are for Official Use Only. To schedule an appointment to review them, contact our Public Health Emergency Coordinator at (419) 784-3818.
DCHD receives Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) funds to support planning for public health emergencies. This grant, awarded through the CDC, helps local health departments build and sustain capabilities across the 15 national PHEP and Response Capabilities.
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
At DCHD, our Health Promotion Coordinator also serves as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, connecting community wellness with public safety.
In this role, the coordinator:
- Manages the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) grant and ensures compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Leads deliverable activities, plans, and facilitates emergency exercises.
- Works with local partners—including healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations—to strengthen preparedness and promote coordinated responses.
- Provides timely local updates, organizes drills and exercises, and supports community readiness for public health emergencies
Through this work, the coordinator helps ensure Defiance County is prepared to respond effectively when emergencies arise.
Public Information Officer for Emergency Preparedness
The Public Information Officer (PIO) plays a vital role in keeping the community informed before, during, and after public health emergencies.
In this role, the PIO:
- Develops and shares clear, accurate, and timely messages to keep residents, partners, and media informed
- Manages communication strategies and creates educational materials for emergency preparedness
- Coordinates messaging during drills, exercises, and real emergencies in partnership with the Health Department team and community organizations
- Builds strong relationships with local media to support transparency and trust
Through this work, the PIO ensures that critical health and safety information reaches the community when it is needed most.
