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Red Cross rolls out training to help businesses guard against flu outbreaks
By Katie Kennedy, The Times-Picayune
October 20, 2009, 3:11PM
Irving Novack says the more he learns about H1N1, the more he becomes "scared to death" of the new virus.
But Novack, director of engineering for the Astor Crowne Plaza, and other local business representatives can now learn tips for preventing the virus from spreading at their workplaces, thanks to a new program from the American Red Cross.
The New Orleans chapter of the Red Cross launched "Preparing Small Business Workplaces for Pandemic Flu" on Sept. 30 and held its first informational presentation Tuesday morning.
The presentation included the four cornerstones to reducing the chances of a flu outbreak -- make a plan, get a preparedness kit, stay informed and get employees vaccinated -- and outlined general prevention tips such as washing hands and telling employees to stay home if they become ill.
The program also teaches businesses how to continue operations when faced with an outbreak among employees.
Tuesday's forum was free of charge for the 14 people who chose to attend, but Rebekah Cain, Public Relations and Communications coordinator, said it is fee-based program. She estimated costs to be $25 per person, with group rates available, but noted that the prices are not finalized.
The program is designed to reinforce the age-old tips for avoiding illness, said Mary Bordelon, Health and Safety Department team member.
"I know it seems like common sense, but a lot of times common sense is ignored," Bordelon said.
"It's about being proactive," said Erik Miller, front office managerat Astor Crowne Plaza. "It also lets the public know we have a plan in place and we operate a clean work environment."
The new influenza-awareness project complements the recently launched Red Cross Ready Rating program that helps businesses develop comprehensive plans to survive natural or man-made disasters, said Kay Wilkins, CEO of the Southeast Louisiana Red Cross chapter.
The New Orleans chapter is one of only eight Red Cross chapters in the nation to initiate the pilot Red Cross Ready program, which began in August.
"Who better to talk about the lessons of preparedness than the ones who experienced one of the worst natural disasters in history?" Wilkins said.
About 40 percent of businesses do not reopen after encountering such a disaster, said Shasta Butler, Red Cross Community Outreach manager. Eight local business and one school -- Golden Meadow Elementary School in Lafouche parish -- have all ready signed up for the program, according to Wilkins.
Interested businesses should contact Candis Patecek, director of health and safety with the local Red Cross, at 504.620.3134.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2009/10/red_cross_rolls_out_training_t.html
By Katie Kennedy, The Times-Picayune
October 20, 2009, 3:11PM
Irving Novack says the more he learns about H1N1, the more he becomes "scared to death" of the new virus.
But Novack, director of engineering for the Astor Crowne Plaza, and other local business representatives can now learn tips for preventing the virus from spreading at their workplaces, thanks to a new program from the American Red Cross.
The New Orleans chapter of the Red Cross launched "Preparing Small Business Workplaces for Pandemic Flu" on Sept. 30 and held its first informational presentation Tuesday morning.
The presentation included the four cornerstones to reducing the chances of a flu outbreak -- make a plan, get a preparedness kit, stay informed and get employees vaccinated -- and outlined general prevention tips such as washing hands and telling employees to stay home if they become ill.
The program also teaches businesses how to continue operations when faced with an outbreak among employees.
Tuesday's forum was free of charge for the 14 people who chose to attend, but Rebekah Cain, Public Relations and Communications coordinator, said it is fee-based program. She estimated costs to be $25 per person, with group rates available, but noted that the prices are not finalized.
The program is designed to reinforce the age-old tips for avoiding illness, said Mary Bordelon, Health and Safety Department team member.
"I know it seems like common sense, but a lot of times common sense is ignored," Bordelon said.
"It's about being proactive," said Erik Miller, front office managerat Astor Crowne Plaza. "It also lets the public know we have a plan in place and we operate a clean work environment."
The new influenza-awareness project complements the recently launched Red Cross Ready Rating program that helps businesses develop comprehensive plans to survive natural or man-made disasters, said Kay Wilkins, CEO of the Southeast Louisiana Red Cross chapter.
The New Orleans chapter is one of only eight Red Cross chapters in the nation to initiate the pilot Red Cross Ready program, which began in August.
"Who better to talk about the lessons of preparedness than the ones who experienced one of the worst natural disasters in history?" Wilkins said.
About 40 percent of businesses do not reopen after encountering such a disaster, said Shasta Butler, Red Cross Community Outreach manager. Eight local business and one school -- Golden Meadow Elementary School in Lafouche parish -- have all ready signed up for the program, according to Wilkins.
Interested businesses should contact Candis Patecek, director of health and safety with the local Red Cross, at 504.620.3134.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2009/10/red_cross_rolls_out_training_t.html