Eleven county agencies and local nonprofit organizations gathered at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy on Saturday for the annual Unified Response Day. Representing the Health Department at the event were Jody Gamber from the Emergency Preparedness and Response division, and Peggy Plunkett, a Medical Response Corps volunteer.  Together they spoke with attendees on the importance of considering medical needs when creating a supplies kit or preparing for a disaster. 

“No one like to think about floods or tornadoes, but the reality is that the ability to survive and recover from such events depends on preparation,” said Gamber. “We’re encouraging people to think about their health needs in the context of an emergency. Things like medications, special dietary needs, assistive devices, and even supplemental power for anything that runs on electricity or needs recharged. What actions would you take if the things you rely on day-to-day to maintain your health are not available? It’s so important to make a plan and build your disaster kit.”

Unified Response Day is an opportunity for people with disabilities to interact with first responders and learn about other available safety resources. It’s a hands-on event where people with disabilities and their families can connect with first responders in a safe, low-pressure setting. This interactive experience lets participants practice real-world scenarios like traffic stops, car accidents, medical emergencies, and fire rescues. 

Additional information about emergency preparedness, including how to build a kit and make a plan is available on the Health Department website.