Emergency Preparedness: Pandemic Flu
With the increasing spread of avian flu among birds in Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe and the continuing appearance of cases of avian flu in humans, the risk of human flu pandemic continues to grow. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.
The Coastal Health District is working with other emergency responders to deal with a possible pandemic situation. Mass vaccination clinics, overcrowding of hospitals, and the quick spread of the infection are all areas where public health must be prepared. The Coastal Health District has developed an initial plan in coordination with regional, state, and national plans, and we’ll be improving the plan in consultation with our community partners. We are working with hospitals and doctors’ offices to track flu cases and watch for changes in the usual symptoms. We also share information with hospitals, school nurses, local physicians, elected officials, and other organizations.
In the case of a pandemic, there is only so much that our government can do. We must each take some responsibility for protecting ourselves. This section includes information on how to prepare for pandemic. For more preparedness information, visit www.pandemicflu.gov.
You should be prepared to shelter in place when pandemic flu becomes a reality. This means stockpiling things like food, water and medications at home so that you won’t need to leave. Many of the below fact sheets will make the recommendation that you will need a 2 week supply of food and water. However, a Pandemic Flu could last 4-6 weeks or even longer. Therefore, we recommend that you have a minimum of 2 weeks worth of supplies but that you should be prepared for 4-6 weeks or even longer. You will want to follow the American Red Cross and CDC Guidelines concerning food items most appropriate for disaster supply kits as well details concerning how long certain items can be stored.
Just the Facts:
Pandemic Flu Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Avian Influenza Preparedness and Planning in Georgia
FAQs on Avian Influenza and “bird flu” for Georgians
Information About Dead Birds in GA
Preparing at Home:
Planning Guide for Families
Family Emergency Health Information Sheet
Emergency Contacts Form
Home Care for Pandemic Flu
American Public Health Association's Get Ready Website
Family Disaster Plan
Preparing at Schools:
School District Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist
Checklist for Childcare and Pre Schools
Checklist for Colleges and Universities
Preparing at Businesses:
Preparing Your Business Brochure
Checklist for Businesses
US Chamber of Commerce’s Section on Pandemic Planning
Checklist for Media Partners
Links:
US Department of Agriculture with Information on Reporting Sick or Dead Wild Birds
Reporting Sick or Dead Farm Birds
U S Department of Agriculture's Avian Flu Section
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/emergency-preparedness/pandemic_flu.php