Health Emergency Management
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of emergencies I should prepare for?

Natural disasters such as fires, floods, and intense heat waves are the most frequent types of emergencies in New Mexico. Other kinds of emergencies, such as possible bioterrorist attacks, are unfortunately a reality in today's world. Click on the links below to get more information on various types of emergencies and natural disasters and how you can prepare for them.

Natural Disasters

Fire

Flood

Bioterrorist and Chemical Incidents

Anthrax

Sarin

Ricin

Smallpox

How do I put together an emergency kit?

The following items are essential in any emergency kit:

Water. A three-day supply (one gallon per person per day) is necessary for every person in your household
Canned or other food that will not spoil, and a manual can opener.
Bandages, gauze, tape, alcohol and/or peroxide
Extra blanket
Candles and matches
Batteries, a flashlight, and a battery-operated AM/FM radio
Essential family documents, vital records, physician contact information, extra credit cards and cash and contact names and telephone numbers, all in a fireproof, waterproof container

How will BHEM and the Department of Health distribute medications, antidotes or vaccines to the public if they become necessary?

BHEM and Department of Health have developed Public Health Service Sites (PHSS), which will be set up around the state as necessary in the event of a widespread health emergency. At these sites, the public will be able to obtain any needed immunizations, vaccinations, or other kinds of medication if there is a shortage during an emergency.

Where does BHEM get the medications and vaccinations for the Public Health Service Sites?

The necessary medications, vaccinations and other medical supplies are available through the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Program. The SNS Program's focus is to ensure the availability and rapid deployment of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes and other supplies and equipment necessary to counter the effects of radiological agents, biological pathogens and chemical agents in the event of a terrorist attack. The SNS is a national repository of antibiotics, chemical antidotes, antitoxins, life-support medications, IV administration, airway maintenance supplies, and medical/surgical items. The SNS is designed to supplement and re-supply state and local public health agencies in the event of a national emergency anywhere and at anytime within the U.S. or its territories. It is organized for flexible response, with the first line of support being the immediate response 12-hour Push Packages. These are caches of pharmaceuticals, antidotes, and medical supplies designed to provide rapid delivery of a broad spectrum of assets for an ill defined threat in the early hours of an event. These Push Packages are positioned in strategically located, secure warehouses ready for immediate deployment to a designated site within 12 hours of the federal decision to deploy SNS assets.

How safe is New Mexico from possible terrorist attacks?

New Mexico is better prepared than many states and is working to increase infrastructures for local, county, tribal and state government. The national laboratories and military bases around the state have upgraded their own security and safety systems and are generally prepared for emergencies. At BHEM, we are confident in our ability to rapidly detect, investigate and respond to emergencies.

Do you have any emergency preparation materials in other languages?

Yes. All of our fact sheets are available in Spanish. Click on the links below to view them. We are also in the process of developing the BHEM website in Spanish. As well, we will also have many of our publications and materials available in Navajo and other Native American languages. Continue to check back on our site as we will be adding more bilingual resources in the future.

Health Emergency Management FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions