Emergency Preparedness: How Andrew County Families Can Stay Ready for the Unexpected
April 28, 2025

Disasters often strike with little warning. Whether it is a severe storm, flood, power outage, or public health emergency, having a plan in place can make a world of difference. Emergency preparedness is not about living in fear. It is about giving yourself and your family the tools and confidence to respond calmly when challenges arise.


At Andrew County Health Department, we work to support our community by providing information, resources, and programs to help families in Savannah and throughout Andrew County prepare for a variety of emergencies. This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or emergency response advice. Every family’s situation is unique, and personal plans should be created in consultation with local emergency management officials and healthcare providers when necessary.


Why Preparedness Matters for Every Family

Many people think emergencies will not happen to them. It is easy to believe that major disasters are rare or that someone else will always be available to help immediately. While first responders, public health teams, and community leaders work hard during emergencies, having a personal plan helps ensure you are ready to act without delay.


Being prepared gives you:


  • A clear understanding of what to do if communication lines are down

  • Supplies to last several days if stores or services are unavailable

  • Confidence to care for family members, including children, seniors, or pets

  • Reduced stress when a situation becomes chaotic or confusing

Emergencies in Andrew County often include severe thunderstorms, winter storms, flooding, and public health emergencies. Preparing for the types of events most likely to occur locally helps make your plan stronger and more practical.


Building an Emergency Plan

Creating an emergency plan is one of the most important steps your family can take toward disaster readiness. Your plan should cover the basics of communication, evacuation, and shelter.


Some important elements to include are:


  • A designated meeting place outside your home and another location outside your neighborhood

  • Emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, and local services

  • A list of responsibilities for each family member, such as who grabs the emergency kit or checks on pets

  • Multiple evacuation routes in case roads are blocked

  • Plans for caring for young children, elderly family members, or individuals with special needs

  • A backup plan if you are separated from loved ones when an emergency happens

Once you create your plan, practice it with your family. Just talking about what you would do can make everyone feel more prepared and ready to respond.


Building a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency supply kit provides the essentials you need if you have to shelter in place or evacuate quickly. In Andrew County, where storms and power outages are real possibilities, having a kit ready can save valuable time.


A basic kit should include:


  • Water: at least one gallon per person per day for several days

  • Non-perishable food: canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits

  • Manual can opener

  • Flashlights and extra batteries

  • First aid supplies

  • Medications and medical supplies

  • Copies of important documents in a waterproof container

  • Cell phone chargers and backup power banks

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Blankets or sleeping bags

  • Local maps

  • Cash in small bills

Customize your kit based on your family’s needs. If you have infants, include diapers and formula. If you have pets, pack food and leashes. If someone in your household relies on medical devices that need power, have a backup plan ready.


Emergency Preparedness for Families with Children

Children rely on adults to keep them safe, but they also benefit from being included in preparedness discussions in age-appropriate ways. Teaching kids what to do can reduce fear and help them respond more effectively.


Ways to prepare children include:


  • Talking openly about possible emergencies in a calm, reassuring way

  • Teaching them how and when to dial 911

  • Showing them where emergency supplies are kept

  • Practicing evacuation drills

  • Assigning simple tasks during drills, like grabbing a bag or checking on a pet

Keeping a few familiar toys, games, or books in your emergency kit can also make a stressful situation easier for younger family members.


Planning for Seniors or Individuals with Special Needs

If your household includes older adults, people with mobility challenges, or individuals with medical conditions, it is important to build these needs into your emergency plan.


Be sure to plan for:


  • Extra medications and medical supplies

  • Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes

  • Transportation options if evacuation is necessary

  • Written care instructions in case another caregiver needs to help

  • Backup power options for medical devices

Have these conversations early and often so no one is overlooked when time matters most.


Staying Informed During Emergencies

Reliable information is critical during emergencies. Knowing where to turn for updates helps you make smart decisions.


Make sure you are:


  • Signing up for local emergency alerts

  • Following trusted sources like Andrew County Health Department and Missouri State Emergency Management Agency

  • Keeping a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your emergency kit

  • Using trusted news outlets for weather and safety updates

Double-check information you find online. Stick to official sources during emergencies to avoid confusion.


Emergency Preparedness for Health Emergencies

Public health emergencies like disease outbreaks also require planning. Health emergencies can unfold differently than natural disasters but being prepared helps.


Make sure you have:


  • An adequate supply of prescription medications

  • Masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant supplies

  • A plan for healthcare access if clinics are disrupted

  • Strategies for caring for sick family members safely

We are committed to providing up-to-date information and support during any public health emergencies affecting Andrew County.


How We Support Emergency Preparedness in Andrew County

At Andrew County Health Department, we are proud to help families stay ready through:


  • Community education programs

  • Public health services during disasters, like vaccination clinics and emergency shelters

  • Up-to-date communications before, during, and after emergencies

  • Partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to strengthen response efforts

Emergency preparedness works best when we all work together. Our team is here to connect you to the tools, information, and support you need to protect your family and neighbors.


Final Thoughts

Emergencies can happen anytime. Preparing today gives you the peace of mind to face tomorrow with confidence. Creating a plan, building a kit, staying informed, and talking with your family about what to do are simple but powerful steps toward resilience.


At Andrew County Health Department, we are here to help. For more information about emergency preparedness resources, or to learn more about how to get started, contact us today. Together, we can make Andrew County a safer and stronger place for everyone.

What to Know About Immunizations for Children and Adults

June 24, 2025
Vaccines are an important part of public health, but many people still have questions about what is available and when certain shots are needed. Whether you're a parent preparing for school enrollment or an adult wanting to stay on top of your health, understanding local immunization options can help you make informed decisions. At the Andrew County Health Department, we provide a variety of immunizations for residents of all ages. These services are designed to make it easier for families and individuals to stay up to date with recommended vaccines. What Vaccines Are Offered? The department offers immunizations for both children and adults. These may include vaccines that are required for school, as well as those that are recommended seasonally or for specific age groups. Some examples include: Childhood vaccines such as DTaP, MMR, polio, and varicella Teen and adult vaccines including Tdap, meningitis, and HPV Seasonal vaccines such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19 Other vaccines based on CDC guidelines and local availability To see which vaccines are currently being offered, or to find out if you are eligible for a specific shot, it's best to contact the department directly. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to help reduce wait times. Who Can Receive Vaccines? Immunizations are available to all residents of Andrew County. The health department works with the Missouri Department of Health and other programs to offer vaccines for children and adults, sometimes at reduced or no cost depending on the situation. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to receive certain vaccines through federal programs like the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Children entering school or daycare often need to show proof of certain vaccines. The health department can help guide families through what is required and when booster shots may be needed. Adults may also benefit from updated vaccines, especially if they are in contact with young children, have certain health conditions, or simply have not received boosters in several years. What to Expect During Your Visit Vaccines are given by trained staff in a clean and safe environment. During your visit, you may be asked to provide some background health information, especially if you are receiving multiple vaccines at once. If you have a vaccination record, it’s a good idea to bring it with you. This helps the nurse know what you’ve already received and what might still be recommended based on your age or medical history. For children, the health department staff is familiar with working with all age groups and does their best to make the process as comfortable as possible. Why Vaccinations Matter While everyone’s health needs are different, vaccines are one tool that public health agencies use to help reduce the risk of certain illnesses in the community. Keeping up with recommended vaccines may help protect not just yourself, but also those around you. It’s important to note that immunization decisions should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. The information provided by the health department is intended to help you make educated choices and stay informed about what is available in your area. How to Learn More If you are unsure whether you or your child needs a vaccine, or if you want to ask questions before scheduling an appointment, the Andrew County Health Department is available to assist. You can visit the Nurses Corner section on their website or call the office during business hours to speak with a team member. The office is located at 106 N. 5th Street in Savannah and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This blog is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. For personal medical concerns, please speak with your licensed healthcare provider.

What Services Does Your Local Health Department Provide?

June 18, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what your local health department actually does, you’re not alone. Many people think public health services are only about shots and restaurant inspections, but there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes. At the Andrew County Health Department, we offer a variety of services to support the health and safety of our community. Whether you’re starting a family, planning for school vaccinations, working in food service, or just want to better understand your health, there’s probably a service here that applies to your life. Immunizations for All Ages One of the most well-known services we provide is immunization. From childhood vaccines to adult boosters, our team can help you stay up to date. This includes routine school-required vaccines, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and travel-related immunizations. Some vaccines may be available at a reduced cost or through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for those who qualify. If you have questions about which immunizations are available or whether you’re eligible for assistance, our team is here to help. Preventive Screenings We also offer several health screenings. These services are not for diagnosis, but they can help identify changes in your health that you may want to bring to your healthcare provider. Examples of screenings we offer include: Blood pressure Cholesterol Blood sugar Vision and hearing HIV and certain STIs Tuberculosis Screenings are confidential, and our staff works with care to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process. WIC Nutrition Support If you’re pregnant, have recently had a baby, or are caring for a child under age five, you may be eligible for the WIC program. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. It provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food packages at no cost to families who qualify. Our WIC staff can also help connect you with other health resources and make sure you are getting the support you need. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and you do not have to be on Medicaid to qualify. Environmental Health & Food Safety Public health isn’t just about personal wellness. We also help protect the broader community through environmental health programs. This includes inspecting restaurants, child care centers, and other food establishments. We check for cleanliness, food handling procedures, and compliance with state health regulations. Our team also helps review food plans for new businesses and provides training to food handlers. If you operate or plan to open a food-related business in Andrew County, we can walk you through the safety steps you’ll need to follow. Need a certified copy of a birth or death certificate? We can help with that too. You can request these records by mail or in person at our office in Savannah. Requirements vary slightly depending on the document, so it’s a good idea to review the process online before visiting. Child Care Consultation If you run a child care facility or work with children, we offer consultation services that can help improve the health and safety of your program. These services include guidance on nutrition, wellness practices, breastfeeding, tobacco prevention, and other child-focused health priorities. We support providers with tools and resources that meet state guidelines and help foster a safe environment for children in care. Emergency Preparedness Resources Public health also plays a key role during emergencies. We provide educational materials and planning guides for everything from tornadoes to power outages and infectious disease outbreaks. While we can’t prevent every disaster, having a plan in place can make a big difference in how your household handles it. You’ll find checklists, contact info, and more in the Emergency Preparedness section of our site. The Andrew County Health Department is here to serve the community with education, preventive resources, and public health protections. If you’re unsure about whether we offer something or need help finding a service, we encourage you to reach out directly or explore the different areas of our website. We’re located in Savannah and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This blog is for educational purposes only and does not offer medical advice. For specific health concerns or decisions, please consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Understanding the Importance of Routine Health Screenings

June 5, 2025
When was the last time you had a health screening? If you’re like many people, it might have been a while. Life gets busy, and unless something feels wrong, it’s easy to put routine checkups on the back burner. But screenings are one way to stay informed about your health before any symptoms appear. At the Andrew County Health Department, we provide a range of screenings to help community members stay aware of potential health risks. While we don’t diagnose or treat conditions, we do offer testing and education that can help you follow up with your provider if needed. What Is a Routine Screening? A routine screening is a simple test that checks for common health conditions. These are not meant to confirm a diagnosis, but instead to detect early signs of issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or elevated blood sugar. Catching these signs early may help you decide when to talk to your primary care provider or seek further care. Screenings can also include checks for vision and hearing, as well as testing for infections such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These types of screenings are confidential and handled with care by trained professionals. What Screenings Are Available? At our department, we offer several screenings as part of our public health services. While availability may vary, some of the screenings typically offered include: Blood pressure checks Cholesterol testing Blood sugar testing Vision and hearing screening HIV and STI testing Tuberculosis (TB) testing These services are designed to help you stay informed about possible health changes. If any result indicates the need for further attention, we can provide a referral to a healthcare provider or specialist in your area. Why Are Screenings Important? Health screenings can serve as a first step in learning more about what’s going on inside your body. Sometimes, common conditions do not cause noticeable symptoms at first. Screenings may detect changes before you feel anything unusual, which is why they are often recommended on a regular basis. Again, these screenings are not diagnostic. They don’t replace a visit to your doctor or confirm any medical condition. But they may give you helpful information to bring with you to a healthcare visit. Who Can Use These Services? Our screening services are available to all Andrew County residents, and many are provided at little or no cost. You do not always need to have health insurance to receive a screening. We aim to make these services as accessible as possible so that everyone has the opportunity to learn more about their health. Whether you are looking to get a checkup for peace of mind or you were recently advised to monitor certain health factors, we’re here to support you with clear information and useful tools.