Defense & Technology Paper 38 Weathering the Storm
Leading Your Organization Through a Pandemic Stephen Prior, Robert Armstrong, and Ford Rowan
with Mary Beth Hill Harmon
Available through Center for Technology and National Security Policy. 77 pages of thought provoking information to help you and your company become more prepared in case of emergency. Worksheets, links, poster and much more. Download entire booklet (.pdf 836 kb.)
Not “If” But “When”…
Scientists fear that the arrival of the avian influenza is a matter of time - not an “if” but a “when.” As pandemic influenzas, natural disasters and potential acts of terrorism threaten the food chain, it is important for all businesses and organizations to begin continuity planning for these crises. As an independent community-based retailer or wholesaler, it is vital that you keep in mind the concept of “Farm to Fork”. Even with changes and improvements made since September 11th, the food chain is still vulnerable to numerous threats and it is critical that you do all that is possible to plan ahead of time. You are not only responsible for your business, but play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. All trading partners are working in a collaborative fashion, committed to protecting their workforce and businesses from security challenges and stand ready to work with federal, state, and local governments to ensure the business community is prepared for a flu pandemic or natural/man-made disaster.
Proactive planning can mitigate loss, save lives and assure your business continues to function when it is needed most. The time to plan for a crisis is now – you won’t have the luxury of turning back the clock after damage has occurred. Please take a leadership role in your community and encourage others to do the same. Preparedness means being ready for all kinds of emergencies, being able to respond in time of crisis to save lives and property, and helping a community—or even a nation—return to normal life after a disaster occurs.
Click here for a number of resources and information available to assist retailers in preparing for emergencies, both during and after natural disasters and emergency situations.
OSHA Provides Employer Guidance For Influenza Pandemic
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Influenza Pandemic” so that employers can prepare for disruptions that may be caused by a pandemic influenza outbreak. According to the OSHA Guidance, “it is important for all businesses and organizations to begin continuity planning for a pandemic. Employers and employees should use this guidance to help identify risk levels and implement appropriate control measures in the workplace.” OSHA anticipates businesses that people rely on for necessities, such as grocery stores, would be at medium risk for potential pandemic exposure because of the possibility of contact among consumers and co-workers.
The OSHA Guidance is available to download here. (.pdf 313 kb.)
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update
Health professionals are concerned that the continued spread of a highly pathogenic avian H5N1 virus across Asia and other countries represents a significant threat to human health.
Below is a list of groups involved in business continuity, information pandemic influenza and emergency management.
The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) www.eden.lsu.edu
A collaborative multi-state effort by Extension Services across the country to improve the delivery of services to citizens affected by disasters. Although this site is designed to serve extension agents and educators, you will find access to a number of different resources on disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Additional Resources:
Open for Business (.pdf) - A disaster-planning toolkit for the small to mid-sized business owners developed by Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
Ready Business (.ppt) – Produced in Cooperation between The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and The Extension Disaster Education Network. Designed to help people understand the importance of a disaster plan, share ideas, and develop the beginning of a disaster plan for their business.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.ready.gov
Department of Homeland Security has developed this website, to help prepare businesses and individuals for the potential threats. Ready Business outlines commonsense measures business owners and managers can take to start getting ready. It provides practical steps and easy-to-use templates to help you plan for your company's future.
The National Response Plan establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident management across a spectrum of activities including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Business Executives for National Security (BENS) http://www.bens.org/images/GettingReady_042304.pdf
Getting Ready: Company Primer on Preparedness and Response Planning for Terrorist and Bioterrorist Attacks
Continuity Central's http://www.continuitycentral.com/
Website that offers a large number of articles, checklists and sample plans, resources that will assist in developing the business continuity plan.
Association of Contingency Planners http://www.acp-international.com/
The Association of Contingency Planners (ACP) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to fostering continued professional growth and development in effective Contingency & Business Resumption Planning.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRA): http://www.ashrae.org/homelandsecurity
Risk Management Guidance for Health, Safety and Environmental Security under Extraordinary Incidents
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH): http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bldvent/2002-139.html
Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update
Influenza A (H5N1) virus – also called “H5N1 virus” – occurring mainly in birds, is highly contagious among birds, and can be deadly to them. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans. At this point, a highly powerful strain of avian influenza, named H5N1, is affecting people who live in close quarters with their flocks throughout Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. The United States has had no reports of the H5N1 strain. Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that H5N1 virus one day could be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another.
Health professionals are concerned that the continued spread of a highly pathogenic avian H5N1 virus across Asia and other countries represents a significant threat to human health. The H5N1 virus has raised concerns about a potential human pandemic because:
It is especially virulent
It is being spread by migratory birds
It can be transmitted from birds to mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans, and
Like other influenza viruses, it continues to evolve.
Guidance Documents & Websites
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
Pandemic Flu www.pandemicflu.gov
Visit the official U.S. government website for pandemic influenza. Comprehensive government-wide information on pandemic influenza and avian influenza. In the event of a pandemic, this will be the authoritative site for U.S. government information on the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States Government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans.
Avian Flu: Worker Health and Safety (CDC Presentation) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/avianflu/pdfs/AI%20Delaney2005.pdf
Lisa J. Delaney of the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health discusses avian influenza information about responder recommendations, medical guidance for poultry workers, and guidance on personal protective equipment.
Department of Health and Human Services Pandemic Planning Update http://hr.blr.com/HR_docs/content/18146_103.pdf In this March 2006 publication, the Department of Health and Human Services provides an update on its preparations for a pandemic flu.
