Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=6860810
Webcast urges business to prepare for pandemic
Thursday, June 11, 2009 | 6:19 PM
The consequences of a worldwide flu outbreak could be devastating
Right now, most cases of H1N1 in the U.S. are mild and don't require treatment. But if a pandemic were to occur, it could devastate a community.
The H1N1 virus is the first global pandemic since the Hong Kong flu back in 1968. But H1N1 has spread so fast, 74 countries including the United States are reporting cases over the last few months.
Today, the federal government funded a special webcast aimed at small businesses, encouraging them to prepare for a pandemic in their community, instead of ignoring the threat.
Matt Bruskotter is a project manager at the University of Findlay, He says, "I think what's probably more likely to happen is a business just doesn't know how to prepare, and they aren't aware of all the things that could happen to them if something should occur."
For instance, a community gripped by a pandemic could see critical services like fire and police less responsive because of sickness. Health care, day care, even elder care services could be cut back.
Businesses could lose workers, production, suppliers and ultimately customers. A whole community is vulnerable, not just the people sickened by flu.
The webcast works to convince businesses large and small to prepare for pandemic by recognizing it can and will happen, that all workers should be trained to do other jobs in case co-workers get sick.
And finally it advises to "have the supplies you need on hand to take care of your employees, provide them with the information they need as well as keep your critical business functions operating."
Being prepared really is the key to surviving a pandemic, both medically and economically. You can see the production online this weekend at fluwebcast.com.
Webcast urges business to prepare for pandemic
Thursday, June 11, 2009 | 6:19 PM
The consequences of a worldwide flu outbreak could be devastating
Right now, most cases of H1N1 in the U.S. are mild and don't require treatment. But if a pandemic were to occur, it could devastate a community.
The H1N1 virus is the first global pandemic since the Hong Kong flu back in 1968. But H1N1 has spread so fast, 74 countries including the United States are reporting cases over the last few months.
Today, the federal government funded a special webcast aimed at small businesses, encouraging them to prepare for a pandemic in their community, instead of ignoring the threat.
Matt Bruskotter is a project manager at the University of Findlay, He says, "I think what's probably more likely to happen is a business just doesn't know how to prepare, and they aren't aware of all the things that could happen to them if something should occur."
For instance, a community gripped by a pandemic could see critical services like fire and police less responsive because of sickness. Health care, day care, even elder care services could be cut back.
Businesses could lose workers, production, suppliers and ultimately customers. A whole community is vulnerable, not just the people sickened by flu.
The webcast works to convince businesses large and small to prepare for pandemic by recognizing it can and will happen, that all workers should be trained to do other jobs in case co-workers get sick.
And finally it advises to "have the supplies you need on hand to take care of your employees, provide them with the information they need as well as keep your critical business functions operating."
Being prepared really is the key to surviving a pandemic, both medically and economically. You can see the production online this weekend at fluwebcast.com.