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Barb Graff, Director Office of Emergency Management City of Seattle, WA. July 18, 2006 Pandemic Flu Planning at the Local Level. Preparing for Pandemic Influenza Public Health - Seattle & King County. Pandemic Impacts. Illness will spread quickly and globally
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Barb Graff, DirectorOffice of Emergency ManagementCity of Seattle, WA July 18, 2006 Pandemic Flu Planning at the Local Level
Preparing for Pandemic InfluenzaPublic Health - Seattle & King County
Pandemic Impacts • Illness will spread quickly and globally • Pandemics can disproportionately effect younger people • The health care delivery system will be overwhelmed • Significant disruptions of critical infrastructure, first response systems, and social services may occur
Pandemic Planning Assumptions • Extreme staff shortages (25-40%) • Impacts will last for weeks to months • Overwhelming demand for services • Supply and commodity shortages • Mutual aid will not be an option
Pandemic Influenza Plan Objectives • Limit sickness and death • Maintain continuity of essential services • Minimize social disruption • Minimize economic losses
Build on Existing Plans • Use existing emergency operations plans • Use the Incident Command System concepts • Create community partnerships • Plan, train, and exercise together • Preparedness as a way of life v. a special activity
Local Government Response • Work closely with Public Health agency and experts • Work with health care system partners to identify alternate care options • Increase surveillance • Promote continuity of operations and business continuity plans • Educate the public
Local Government Essential Functions • 911 phone calls • Potable water • Traffic systems • Electric power • Case management • Food programs
Continuity of Operations Planning • Identify essential functions • Cross train staff • Identify telecommuting opportunities • Relax personnel policies (sick leave, flexible shifts, etc.) • Suspend non-critical functions • Stock extra supplies • Identify ways to maintain payroll functions • Make alcohol gel, disinfectant wipes available
Other Strategies • Close public gathering places • Offer advice on caring for family members • Place hand gel and masks in public places • Involve your employees in the solutions • Invite your public into the planning
Educate the Public • Explain the risk and what they can do • Store emergency supplies • Plan with family members • Learn how to care for loved ones at home • Teach respiratory etiquette and social distancing techniques
Prevent the Spread of Illness • Stay home when you are sick • Cover your cough • Wash hands regularly/use alcohol hand gel • Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth • Maintain several feet distance • Clean commonly used surfaces
Public Information • Single message; many voices • Consistent advice; many sources • Be candid and available • Learn to communicate in painful, uncertain times
Public Health Department Seattle/King County www.metrokc.gov/health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.pandemicflu.gov Fact sheets Planning checklists Educational materials For More Information