MHSC
Senior Moderator
When they say stock up on 2 weeks worth of food, they make it sound like a non-event. I wish they would be more realistic in their recommendations.
http://www.kokomotribune.com/local/local_story_281234330.html
Preparing in case of pandemic outbreak
All Indiana counties submit response plans
By KEN de la BASTIDE
Tribune enterprise editor
Ahead of schedule all 92 Indiana counties have submitted pandemic influenza response plans with the Indiana State Board of Health and the Indiana Homeland Security Agency.
The plans are being put in place in the case of an avian bird flu or other pandemic flu outbreak in the United States.
The Homeland Security Agency provided guidelines to county officials on the development of the plan which included outlines for specific roles and the responsibility of local agencies.
The state did not have to approve the submitted plans, according to Andy Zirkle, Senior Public Information Officer for the agency.
?The governor wanted the plans done by the fall, so we are about on schedule.?
Zirkle said decisions were left up to local officials who have a better understanding of local needs.
?The focus will now shift to education and exercises,? Zirkle said. ?This is an on-going process. We want all the local agencies to maintain skills and heighten awareness.?
The Howard County Health Department submitted its plan to the state on Aug. 30.
?It is still a work in progress,? Howard County coordinator Ryan Nehl said. ?We are focusing next year on training and education and expanding the local plan.?
In addition to the plan submitted by the Health Department, the Howard County Emergency Management Agency turned in a plan to the Homeland Security Agency.
Nehl said EMA is the lead agency and the two departments are working closely together.
Larry Smith, executive director of EMA, said the Health Department?s plan for pandemic flu and bird flu has been made an attachment to the county?s emergency management plan.
?The plan has been developed by the Health Department,? Smith said. ?It is complete, but there has not been an exercise.?
The exercise would determine how well the county?s plan works and distinguish any problems in the plan.
?Normally the problems are in the area of communication,? he said.
State officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prepare themselves from the threat of a pandemic outbreak. The state recommends an emergency supply kit which includes a two-week supply of food and water and medications.
Residents are encouraged to follow these preventative steps: Covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing; wash hands frequently; stay home from work or school if feeling ill; and to seek medical advice and care as needed.
Ken de la Bastide can be reached at (765) 454 -8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com
http://www.kokomotribune.com/local/local_story_281234330.html
Preparing in case of pandemic outbreak
All Indiana counties submit response plans
By KEN de la BASTIDE
Tribune enterprise editor
Ahead of schedule all 92 Indiana counties have submitted pandemic influenza response plans with the Indiana State Board of Health and the Indiana Homeland Security Agency.
The plans are being put in place in the case of an avian bird flu or other pandemic flu outbreak in the United States.
The Homeland Security Agency provided guidelines to county officials on the development of the plan which included outlines for specific roles and the responsibility of local agencies.
The state did not have to approve the submitted plans, according to Andy Zirkle, Senior Public Information Officer for the agency.
?The governor wanted the plans done by the fall, so we are about on schedule.?
Zirkle said decisions were left up to local officials who have a better understanding of local needs.
?The focus will now shift to education and exercises,? Zirkle said. ?This is an on-going process. We want all the local agencies to maintain skills and heighten awareness.?
The Howard County Health Department submitted its plan to the state on Aug. 30.
?It is still a work in progress,? Howard County coordinator Ryan Nehl said. ?We are focusing next year on training and education and expanding the local plan.?
In addition to the plan submitted by the Health Department, the Howard County Emergency Management Agency turned in a plan to the Homeland Security Agency.
Nehl said EMA is the lead agency and the two departments are working closely together.
Larry Smith, executive director of EMA, said the Health Department?s plan for pandemic flu and bird flu has been made an attachment to the county?s emergency management plan.
?The plan has been developed by the Health Department,? Smith said. ?It is complete, but there has not been an exercise.?
The exercise would determine how well the county?s plan works and distinguish any problems in the plan.
?Normally the problems are in the area of communication,? he said.
State officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prepare themselves from the threat of a pandemic outbreak. The state recommends an emergency supply kit which includes a two-week supply of food and water and medications.
Residents are encouraged to follow these preventative steps: Covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing; wash hands frequently; stay home from work or school if feeling ill; and to seek medical advice and care as needed.
Ken de la Bastide can be reached at (765) 454 -8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com