Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for Water Sector and ISAWWA Seminar

Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector EPA has published a “Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector.” Pandemic flu could affect the capability of water system operators to operate and maintain their systems adequately due to increased absenteeism at their systems and at other interdependent sectors that provide essential materials and supplies. The flu fact sheet provides information to assist the water sector in integrating pandemic planning into existing business continuity and emergency response plans and reducing the risk to public health that would be caused by disruption in operation of water systems. In addition to background information on pandemic flu, its potential impacts, and possible interventions, the fact sheet provides references to tools and guidance materials offered by EPA and other organizations. The fact sheet is available at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/pandemicflu.cfm


Join the Illinois Section AWWA at the following seminar - you can still register online.
PANDEMIC AWARENESS & PLANNING FOR WATER UTILITIES
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - Countryside, IL
http://tinyurl.com/ldhcyt

What if your employees refuse to report to work because of fear of catching panflu? How will you and your utility or company react ? This seminar is appropriate for both utilities and private industry. Be sure and attend so that you can prepare for this fall season and the H1N1 virus .

REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training is 9:00am – 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.

LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
6240 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525

COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration

SPEAKERS
John Smith, City of Decatur
Richard Reb, CRT, Roche Laboratories

AGENDA
This program is designed to provide an in-depth look at pandemic influenza and provide information and training on what each individual, community, and public or private organization can do to prepare. Participants will go through the Pandemic Influenza Ambassador Program developed in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative.

Presentation topic s will include: A brief history of pandemics including H5N1 “bird flu” and H1N1 “Swine Flu”; The definition of a pandemic and the differences between pandemic and seasonal flu; The past and potential future impact of a pandemic on business and the economy; The potential impact of a pandemic on the health system and community; The role of the individual, the government, healthcare, and private sectors; Planning and preparation steps for individuals at home and in the workplace; Pandemic Countermeasures: the role of hygiene and medical interventions; Planning resources; Why a flu pandemic should concern everyone; How flu germs spread - and how you can avoid getting or spreading them; Planning and preparation steps you can take

You probably have a disaster plan for your water utility, but a pandemic is a different kind of disaster. Now is the time to do additional planning so you are ready if this kind of disaster should strike.

Here are some scenario s to consider: How will your utility operate if you are not there due to sickness or quarantine? What about other key members of your staff? What will you do if members of your family are extremely sick? What about staff member’s families? What will you do if some staff members refuse to report to work even though they are not sick? Are you able to operate some of your utility remotely? What if it becomes difficult to receive chemical deliveries on time due to truck driver shortages? What if a crucial piece of equipment needs immediate maintenance? Have you developed a list of electrical, mechanical, and other vendors that will respond to an emergency? What if that vendor has a large number of employees out due to sickness?

These are examples of pandemic planning that you must do before this kind of disaster becomes a reality.