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Kentucky Pandemic Plan
Link to plan:
Main site:
What is the Kentucky Department for Public Health doing to prepare for pandemic flu?
The Department for Public Health is taking the possibility of a flu pandemic very seriously. Kentucky developed a draft pandemic influenza plan specifically for pandemic flu a few years ago, which is currently being updated. The plan looks at such issues as how we could limit the spread of the disease, stretch available resources, and best protect the health and safety of Kentuckians in the event of pandemic flu. It builds upon the infrastructure and successful relationships that were developed over the past several years of increased disaster preparedness planning statewide.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Pandemic Influenza Plan provides a blueprint from which to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead for the nation. Click here to view the HHS pandemic influenza plan.
Health officials recommend people continue to take the same precautions to protect themselves against avian flu as they would from colds and other flu.
Precautions include:
When preparing for a possible emergency situation such as pandemic influenza, it's best to think first about the basics of survival, including fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Because it may be necessary to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus, you may have to remain in your home for several days. The checklist below contains certain items that may be especially important if you cannot leave your home and people cannot enter.
Main site:
What is the Kentucky Department for Public Health doing to prepare for pandemic flu?
The Department for Public Health is taking the possibility of a flu pandemic very seriously. Kentucky developed a draft pandemic influenza plan specifically for pandemic flu a few years ago, which is currently being updated. The plan looks at such issues as how we could limit the spread of the disease, stretch available resources, and best protect the health and safety of Kentuckians in the event of pandemic flu. It builds upon the infrastructure and successful relationships that were developed over the past several years of increased disaster preparedness planning statewide.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Pandemic Influenza Plan provides a blueprint from which to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead for the nation. Click here to view the HHS pandemic influenza plan.
Fifty local pandemic flu summits have been conducted statewide with all 120 counties participating to address pandemic flu preparedness. These summits were designed to help public health and emergency response communities to inform and involve political, economic and community leadership in the state's pandemic planning process.
Protect YourselfHealth officials recommend people continue to take the same precautions to protect themselves against avian flu as they would from colds and other flu.
Precautions include:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
- Frequently washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Staying home if you have a cough or fever.
- Seeing your health care provider as soon as possible if you have a cough or fever and following their instructions as prescribed to get plenty of rest.
When preparing for a possible emergency situation such as pandemic influenza, it's best to think first about the basics of survival, including fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Because it may be necessary to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus, you may have to remain in your home for several days. The checklist below contains certain items that may be especially important if you cannot leave your home and people cannot enter.
- Food and water - Be sure to have several days to a week's supply of canned/dried food and water on hand and a can opener. Grocery stores may not have adequate supplies or staff available to remain open. Don't forget baby formula and diapers. Basic utilities such as electricity or water may experience disruptions.
- Medications, First Aid Kit and equipment - If you must take medications on a regular basis, be sure to have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay.
- Blankets - Ensure that you have plenty of warm blankets on hand in case of electricity disruptions.
- Phone - If there are disruptions to power, you will require a telephone (standard wired phone) that does not run on power from an electrical outlet. Cell phones may operate when the power is out, but wireless phones will not.
- Battery powered radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Items for personal comfort - Items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, facial and bathroom tissue should be on hand to make your time at home more comfortable. Be sure to include items for children such as coloring books, games and activities.
- Face and nose protection - Face masks should be available for each member of the family to prevent the spread of disease. Dense-weave cotton material that snugly covers your nose and mouth and is specifically fit for each member of the family. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children. There are also a variety of face masks readily available in hardware stores.
- Large trash bags and ties - Large trash bags should be kept on hand to store garbage safely because garbage service may be disrupted or postponed for many days.
- Pets - Ensure you have plenty of food, water or litter available for your pets.
- Emergency Plan - Take the time to prepare a family emergency plan. Record medical histories, social security numbers and contact information on the Kentucky Community Information Pocket Guide. Ensure your children and family members know who to contact in an emergency. Don't forget to check in on your neighbors and the elderly in your community.