Works in collaboration with other agencies to provide comprehensive public health planning and response for all hazard disasters (natural or man-made) within the county. The program includes distribution of pharmaceuticals or vaccinations in the event of a bioterrorist attack or pandemic influenza, emergency planning for and tracking of populations with special needs, recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers.

Emergency operations center for the County, which handles emergency response incidents, including accidents, fires, floods, storms and other disasters, natural and manmade. Also responsible for requesting federal assistance after a disaster.

The health department is constantly monitoring school absences in an attempt to determine a food borne outbreak or a disease outbreak.

The health department is also required to have drills annually to see how quickly they could dispense medications to the population should a bioterrorist event or pandemic influenza occur.

The health department currently monitors what is happening in the world regarding different disease outbreaks.

Responding to many types of hazards such as infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, biological, chemical, and radiological incidents, and explosions.

Offers to work with surrounding communities and businesses to develop procedures and preparations in the case of an emergency or disaster. Services may also include information regarding ema weather briefings, alerts and warnings, local emergency planning committee information and links, emergency alerts, emergency planning, hazmat ordinance, current emergencies, preparedness, mitigation planning, and floodplain management.

Detects and respond to emerging threats, including influenza outbreaks, food borne illnesses, and biological terrorist events. Includes the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), which supports community efforts to utilize local medical and health volunteers during emergencies and at other times of community need.

Prepares for a prompt and effective response to a variety of public health emergencies. By working with community partners, the Department can respond to natural or manmade events.

Residents are served by, refining and practicing emergency plans, educating the community, conducting trainings for staff and volunteers, and preparing plans for dispensing preventative medication (if needed) in a public health disaster.

Maintains emergency management activities including planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for Whiteside County. Also serves as the central point of contact for receiving reports of incidents that occur within the county and for disseminating emergency-related information. Emergency preparedness and recovery resources are available for natural hazards such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, large-scale fires, tornadoes, and winter storms. As well as man-made hazards such as civil disorder incidents, hazardous material incidents, major transportation accidents, nuclear power plant accidents, pollution and sanitation problems, and terrorism incidents.

Provides information on emergency preparedness to the general public and community groups. Collaborates with hospitals, medical providers, emergency managers, and units of government to plan for and respond to emergencies that have a public health component. Also coordinates the Jackson County Medical Reserve Corps unit, which trains volunteers to assist in emergencies.

Develops strategies to protect the public in the event of a public health threat or emergency, including:
- Communicable disease outbreaks, such as an influenza epidemic
- Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc.)
- Bioterrorism events
- Weapons of mass destruction

Program promotes and sustains a Medical Reserve Corp. (MRC). Also performs and reports activities including Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) capabilities, volunteer management, emergency contact & emergency planning updates, staff alert drills, in addition to exercising capabilities used for SNS drop site, dispensing, and other public health emergency response activities.

Provides emergency preparedness and recovery resources are available for natural hazards such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, large-scale fires, tornadoes, and winter storms. As well as man-made hazards such as civil disorder incidents, hazardous material incidents, major transportation accidents, nuclear power plant accidents, pollution and sanitation problems, and terrorism incidents. Other services include pre-hospital emergency medical services, vial for Life (medical information), CPR and First Aid classes, and 24/7 Advanced Life Support Emergency Transport.

Provides information about how to prepare for an emergency, or join the Medical Reserve Corps.

Offers to work with surrounding communities and businesses to develop procedures and preparations in the case of an emergency or disaster. Services include testing of sirens on the first Tuesday of every month, working with the Braidwood Nuclear Power Plant to ensure safety in case of a nuclear disaster, coordinating with the National Weather Service to notify the public in case of a severe weather alert, and working with companies in the local area that deal with hazardous materials.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Program incorporates the following preparedness activities, emergency preparedness planning, community outreach, preparedness planning materials, epidemiological investigation, Medical Reserve Corps, Pandemic Influenza Community Coalition (PICC) and Special Needs Advisory Panel (SNAP).

The Salvation Army's disaster relief program consists of several basic services, addressing many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor. Services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities and scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster.

Administers the following programs:

-- Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program (WIC).

-- Family Case Management.

-- Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Reporting System.

-- Tobacco-Free Communities & Cessation Programs

-- Immunizations.

-- Blood Pressure Monitoring.

-- Lead Testing.

-- Tuberculosis Testing and Follow-up.

-- Basic Laboratory Services.

-- Vision and Hearing Testing.

-- School Health Services.

-- Communicable Disease Information and Follow-up.

-- Child Safety Seat Assistance.

-- Environmental Health Programs.

-- Emergency Preparedness.

-- Public Health Education.

-- Adult Foot Care Services.