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Source: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/...NION/903290320
GUEST COLUMN: Prepare for a pandemic?
Henry County team says just be prepared for any emergency ? period
It's been 40 years since the United States dealt with a pandemic. But less than a year ago, an ice storm was creating freezing havoc for East Central Indiana. Just a few months ago, a flood ravaged homes and even shut down a hospital in Columbus. And, a few weeks ago, Henry County emergency personnel spent hours cleaning up a hazardous material spill on nearby I-70.
Whether it's multiplying microorganisms attacking the body, a man-made disaster on the interstates or even an act of Mother Nature really makes no difference. In each case, those who are prepared always have the best outcomes.
So in this, the final article of four from the Henry County Pandemic Preparedness team, we wanted to emphasize the key word in our name isn't the scary one -- pandemic. It's the practical one, the one that can get you through any emergency you might face -- preparedness.
A few simple steps will help you be prepared, no matter what emergency comes your way in 2009 or beyond. We hope you'll join us in making a New Year's Resolution to develop a plan with your family that can help you in any emergency. Here's some quick tips:
# Make an emergency kit with basic medicines and first aid. Have canned and dry goods available. Plan as far ahead as you can, particularly on medications.
# Have a plan in writing -- including a place to meet if the family gets separated for any reason. Such a plan should have each family member's name and date of birth, work or school address as well as which family member would be an emergency contact.
# Plan for a different lifestyle in the short term and adjust expectations in emergency situations. Hospital rooms most likely won't be private -- if you have a room at all. You could end up in a hallway setting. Then there will probably be no televisions, an item most people expect. There may only be cold food available after a certain time.
Every hospital in the state has been planning for a pandemic. Experts say they seem to occur in 30 to 40 year cycles, so the time may be right. It's not a pleasant topic, and we've tried not to be fear mongers in these articles.
We hope this series encourages not only families but also neighborhoods, schools, churches, businesses and governmental units to begin planning if they haven't already. A checklist to help in various preparations can be found at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site at https://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/wor...forcement.html
Pandemics are scary and complicated situations, but the truth is simple solutions and actions will serve us well in those and other emergency situations. Let's not be afraid of what may come. Let's just try to be ready.
Teresa Thacker is infection control coordinator for Henry County Hospital.
GUEST COLUMN: Prepare for a pandemic?
Henry County team says just be prepared for any emergency ? period
It's been 40 years since the United States dealt with a pandemic. But less than a year ago, an ice storm was creating freezing havoc for East Central Indiana. Just a few months ago, a flood ravaged homes and even shut down a hospital in Columbus. And, a few weeks ago, Henry County emergency personnel spent hours cleaning up a hazardous material spill on nearby I-70.
Whether it's multiplying microorganisms attacking the body, a man-made disaster on the interstates or even an act of Mother Nature really makes no difference. In each case, those who are prepared always have the best outcomes.
So in this, the final article of four from the Henry County Pandemic Preparedness team, we wanted to emphasize the key word in our name isn't the scary one -- pandemic. It's the practical one, the one that can get you through any emergency you might face -- preparedness.
A few simple steps will help you be prepared, no matter what emergency comes your way in 2009 or beyond. We hope you'll join us in making a New Year's Resolution to develop a plan with your family that can help you in any emergency. Here's some quick tips:
# Make an emergency kit with basic medicines and first aid. Have canned and dry goods available. Plan as far ahead as you can, particularly on medications.
# Have a plan in writing -- including a place to meet if the family gets separated for any reason. Such a plan should have each family member's name and date of birth, work or school address as well as which family member would be an emergency contact.
# Plan for a different lifestyle in the short term and adjust expectations in emergency situations. Hospital rooms most likely won't be private -- if you have a room at all. You could end up in a hallway setting. Then there will probably be no televisions, an item most people expect. There may only be cold food available after a certain time.
Every hospital in the state has been planning for a pandemic. Experts say they seem to occur in 30 to 40 year cycles, so the time may be right. It's not a pleasant topic, and we've tried not to be fear mongers in these articles.
We hope this series encourages not only families but also neighborhoods, schools, churches, businesses and governmental units to begin planning if they haven't already. A checklist to help in various preparations can be found at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site at https://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/wor...forcement.html
Pandemics are scary and complicated situations, but the truth is simple solutions and actions will serve us well in those and other emergency situations. Let's not be afraid of what may come. Let's just try to be ready.
Teresa Thacker is infection control coordinator for Henry County Hospital.
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