1. PODs are only opened when a large portion of the population is determined to be at great risk to a contagious disease or other biological agent.



2. POD’s are operated under the authority of the County Health Officer and in coordination with the County Emergency Operations Center.

The standard that we plan for is based on an aerosolized release of Anthrax. In this situation the Medication for Anthrax is the most effective if given within 48 hours. This means that we have 48 hours (from the time of the Agent’s release) to get everyone taking medication. This is the shortest window of exposure which we can plan for. In the end it’s always easier to scale down rather than ramp up.

12-18 hours of the original 48 hours will be taken up with preparation, planning, and mobilization (in essence getting authorization and supplies ready to open). This leaves us Approx. 30 hours to make sure that every person in the County has medication and instructions in their hand.

Training done ahead of time will prepare POD staff and managers to work quickly and effectively during those first 30 hours.