Pandemic Flu Planning

Warren County Fire and Rescue is taking a proactive approach to planning for Pandemic Flu – a global outbreak of a novel strain of influenza with efficient human to human contact.  Currently we are working to produce a plan that will supplement the county’s emergency operations plan, and will remain flexible as information is added or changed.  The plan is being written in accordance with the emergency plans of the Virginia Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. 

NEWS RELEASE

For Release:  4 November 2006
Contact: Captain Marti Viggiano (540) 636-3830

Warren County Preparing for Possible Pandemic Flu

    For the past few months, the Warren County/Front Royal Emergency Management Team has been preparing for a possible Pandemic Flu.  Pandemic Influenza can occur when a new and highly contagious strain of influenza virus emerges that has the ability to infect humans and be passed easily from person-to-person.  Because most or all of the world’s population has not been exposed to the new virus strain, little or no immunity exists, and the rate of illness increases significantly over the expected level.  The current concern for a pandemic arises from the widespread outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in birds and the growing number of human cases.
    Steps are being taken to prepare and educate the public and emergency responders in the event of a pandemic.  A “Pandemic Flu and Other Emergencies” guidebook will be sent home with each Warren County student the week of November 13th.  The Front Royal Police Department will also distribute them citywide within the coming weeks.   The guide provides helpful hints about how to protect oneself from not only pandemic flu but seasonal flu as well.  Valuable information is also provided about how to prepare for any emergency, natural or manmade. 
    Captain Marti Viggiano, Warren County Fire and Rescue and a member of the Emergency Management Team,  has provided Pandemic Flu training to the Warren County Fire and Rescue Department personnel  and has obtained a “Pandemic Response and Preparedness Tool Kit” for presentation to civic groups and organizations should there be an interest. 
    The Emergency Management Team is exploring the purchase of N95 protective masks, fit testing and supplying them to Fire and Rescue personnel and any county employee that would be at risk of exposure to the avian flu virus.  This action is part of the Warren County Fire and Rescue Response and Staffing plan written to provide response measures should the pandemic threat become a reality. 
    For further information or to schedule a presentation, please contact Captain Marti Viggiano at 540-636-3830.
 

Upcoming Events

Look for the “Emergency Guide – Pandemic Flu and Other Emergencies” booklet to be distributed at various businesses soon. 

Watch the video “Pandemic Flu – A Video Guide to Pandemic Preparedness and Response in Virginia” currently showing on the local government television channel on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Helpful Web Links

PandemicFlu.gov

World Health Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Virginia Dept of Health

United States Dept of Health & Human Services

Emergency Guide

Pandemic Flu and

Other Emergencies

Compliments of the Front Royal/Warren County

Emergency Management Team

Importance & Benefits of Being Prepared

The effects of a pandemic or any other disaster can be lessened if you prepare ahead of time. Preparing for a disaster will help bring peace of mind and confidence to deal with the incident.

When a pandemic starts, everyone around the world could be at risk.

A pandemic would touch every aspect of society, so every part of society must begin to prepare.  Each of us has a  role in the event of a pandemic.

As you and your family plan for an influenza pandemic, think about the challenges you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe.

You can start to prepare now to be able to respond to these challenges.  The following are some challenges you or your family may face and recommendations to help you cope.  In addition, checklists and other tools have been prepared to guide your planning efforts.

Essential services you depend on may be disrupted & food & water supplies may be limited.

• Plan for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, banks, restaurants, government offices, telephone companies, cellular phone companies, post offices, and the electrical office.

• Stores may close or have limited supplies.  The planning checklist can help you determine what items you should stockpile to help you manage without these services.

• Transportation services may be disrupted and you may not be able to rely on public transportation.

• Public gatherings, such as volunteer meetings and worship services, may be canceled.  Prepare contact lists including conference calls, telephones chains, and e-mail distribution lists, to access or distribute necessary information.

• Consider that the ability to travel, even by car if there are fuel shortages, or supplies could be limited.

• You should also talk to your family about where family members and loved ones will go in an emergency and how they will receive care in case you cannot communicate with them.

Additional things to think about in any disaster.

• Community warning signals:                                                                                

If your community has a warning system, know what it sounds

 like and what to do when you hear it.  Keep a battery-powered radio and extra batteries on hand. Listen to your local emergency alert system radio or television station.  Some communities use “reverse 911” systems that automatically dial telephones in the affected area and play a recorded message that tells you what to do.  NOAA Weather Radios are also a valuable source of information.

• If someone in the household is hearing-impaired, he or she might have difficulty hearing sirens or other types of alerts.  In such cases, consider purchasing an alert system that features a visual signal, and make special arrangements ahead of time through local emergency management officials.

• Know how, where and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.  Only turn off utilities if authorities instruct you to do so or if you suspect damaged lines.  If you do turn off your utilities, do not turn them on again by yourself.  You will need a professional to turn them back on.

A Pantry Emergency Food List

•In a pandemic, there may be widepread illness that could result in the shut down of local ATM’s and Banks. Keep a small amount of cash in small denominations for easy use.
•You may be unable to get to a store. To prepare for this possibility you should store at least one to two weeks supply of non-perishable food and fresh water for emergencies.
•Select foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation, (including the use of water) or cooking.
•Formula for infants and any other items needed to meet the special nutritional requirements for other family members.
•Store two weeks of water, 1 gallon of water per person per day. (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation/sanitation) in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.

Things to Think About

• Schools and Daycare centers may be closed for an extended period of time.

• Plan home learning activities and exercises that your children can do.
• Schools, and potentially public and private preschools, childcare, trade schools, colleges and universities may be closed to limit the spread of flu in the community and to help prevent children from becoming sick. Other school-related activities and services could also be disrupted or cancelled including clubs, sports activities, music activities, and school meals.
• Being able to work may be difficult or impossible.
• Medical care for people with chronic illnesses could be disrupted.
• Check expiration dates on all food.
• Wash hands often & disinfect doorknobs and other surfaces.
• Rotate your food and water supply.
• Have a water purifier.
• Home protective masks
• Know the difference between seasonal flu and the pandemic flu.
• Talk to your employer about its plan in the work place.
• Make sure your family’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Watch the TV news and the newspaper (stay informed).
• Keep your prescriptions filled.