Emergency Preparedness

A public health emergency is anything that causes, or could cause injuries or illness to a large number of people. Public health emergencies include:

  • Infectious disease outbreaks or pandemics, such as Covid-19
  • Foodborne illness outbreaks
  • Health-endangering effects of severe weather, natural disasters, and power outages
  • Incidents resulting in mass casualties
  • Chemical spills or radiological releases
  • Acts of bioterrorism

Sherburne County Health and Human Services (SCHHS) works to prepare for public health emergencies through assessing potential risks, planning for health impacts, educating community members, and coordinating with community partners. SCHHS trains staff and volunteers to respond to public health emergencies, collaborates with local and state partners through exercises and drills, and promotes emergency preparedness in the community.

Medical Reserve Corps

Volunteers may be needed to assist in the response to a public health emergency. Persons interested in assisting Sherburne County Health and Human Services in an emergency situation may sign up at Minnesota Responds Medical Reserve Corps. 

Once registered, persons will receive information on training and other volunteer opportunities to help prepare them for potential roles during a public health emergency.

Emergency Contact Information

  • If this is an emergency, call 911
  • If you are ill, contact your health care provider
  • For a poisoning emergency contact the Minnesota Poison Control System at 800-222-1222

For additional emergency information, go to Minnesota Department of Health website.

Additional Information

If you have a non-emergency question about public health emergency preparedness, call Sherburne County Health and Human Services at 763-765-4000 during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and ask for the Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, or email us at public.health@co.sherburne.mn.us.