Pratt County Health Department

09/26/2025

September is National Preparedness Month

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

It is important to Make-A-Plan for sheltering during severe weather. If you were to experience a Power Outage or Tornado etc...will you Shelter-In-Place at home, or do you plan to go to a neighbors? Do your neighbors know you plan to go there?

Most public shelters (warming shelters, due to house destruction etc) would open AFTER the severe weather is over. Sheltering-in-Place is the preferred shelter method. Shelters do not open DURING severe weather for the safety of First Responders and to keep residents off the road during severe weather.

https://www.ready.gov/shelter

09/22/2025

September is National Preparedness Month

Winter Ready -
Being means understanding the winter risks you face and taking steps NOW to prepare.
- Winterize Your Home
- Change Batteries in Fire/CO2 Detectors
- Prevent House Heating Fires
- Prepare for Power Outages
- Stay Safe During Winter Travel
- Roadside Emergency Kits

https://www.ready.gov/winter-ready
https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

09/19/2025

September is National Preparedness Month

Prepare Your Pets for Disasters -
Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. To prepare for the unexpected, follow these tips with your pets in mind: https://www.ready.gov/pets

1️⃣Make a plan.
2️⃣Build an emergency kit.
3️⃣Stay informed.

09/15/2025

September is National Preparedness Month

Older Adults -
As an older adult, you may have specific needs after a disaster. Use the information on this page to assess your needs and take simple, low-cost steps that help you get better prepared.
PCHD has "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) Envelopes available at our office for anyone who may need assistance keeping their Emergency Contacts and Medical Information organized and available for first responders to find during a medical event.

https://www.ready.gov/older-adults
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/ready-gov_disaster-preparedness-guide-for-older-adults.pdf

09/12/2025

September is National Preparedness Month

People with Disabilities
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, s*x 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 for emergencies and disasters.
https://www.ready.gov/people-disabilities

Get tips on emergency planning for individuals with disabilities. Get Informed Make a Plan Build a Kit People Experiencing Extreme Heat Associated Content

09/09/2025

We now have Flu Vaccines available for all Insurance types!

- Private Insurance
- State Insurance
- Vaccines for Children (VFC)
- 317 - Uninsured Adults
- Medicare

Appointments are preferred but not necessary for Flu Vaccines.

Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get a flu vaccine every season, especially people at higher risk.

CDC Flu Information:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/2025-2026.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html

09/08/2025

September is National Preparedness Month

Financial Preparedness Tips💲
If a disaster or other emergency strikes, you may only have seconds or minutes to react. In those critical moments, your focus will be on your family’s safety. Once the immediate danger has passed, having your homeowners, renters, or flood insurance policy, bank account information, and other records and contacts in one secure location will help you recover faster.

https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_effak-toolkit.pdf

09/05/2025

September is National Preparedness Month

This is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Getting yourself, your family, and your home ready for emergencies like home fires, power outages, and local floods means you’re more prepared for disasters like wildfires, flash flooding, tornadoes, and more.

09/02/2025

September is National Preparedness Month
This year's theme is "Preparedness Starts at Home."

We are asking people to take FOUR KEY ACTIONS to prepare for any disaster they may face: https://www.ready.gov/september
1️⃣ Know the different types of emergencies that could happen and the appropriate responses to stay safe.
2️⃣Make a family emergency plan.
3️⃣Build an emergency supply kit.
4️⃣Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.

08/28/2025

The Health Department will be CLOSED on Monday, Sept. 1st, for Labor Day. 🇺🇸

08/26/2025

Participating WIC Families - Feedback Wanted!

On behalf of the National WIC Association, Kansas WIC invites you to participate in a survey to learn more about your WIC experience!

Kansas WIC invites you on behalf of that National WIC Association to participate in a survey to learn more about your WIC experience! Kansas WIC is inviting ...

07/31/2025

Everybody likes a good before-and-after picture.

PCHD and the SW Custodial Staff helped spruce up the SW Elementary Black Top! 🎨🏀🤩

We hope everyone has a great school year! 🚌

Stencils were awarded in a previous grant year from the South Central Community Foundation. The South Central Community Foundation Grants are currently open and available to nonprofits, cities, schools, and churches!