Resolve to be ready in 2008
Residents Urged to Prepare for Disasters
2008 Preparedness Article Series - Five

We have talked about pandemic influenza and how individuals need to prepare. Now let's look at what is being done on the local, state, and national level.

In 2006, local governments were tasked with developing specific County Pandemic Influenza Plans. This was to be accomplished by forming a planning committee in each county consisting of representatives from 10 segments of society: local government, health care, schools, transportation, public health, business, faith-based organizations, volunteer organizations, media and general public. This step was completed during 2007. County committees in Public Health District 2 have submitted draft plans to the Georgia Division of Public Health. Several counties have already held tabletop exercises to discuss their plans and to identify gaps or opportunities for improvement.

Challenges still exist in implementing certain aspects of these plans. Communicating the purpose and necessity of individual planning to the general public, and then having individuals act on the information is one of the main obstacles. In an influenza pandemic, many people could die. Many more may become sick. Essential services in our communities may be disrupted. Supplies of necessities may become limited. People will not be able to work because they are sick or they are caring for someone who is sick. The economy could be drastically harmed. It is a fact that individuals that are prepared for disasters fare better than those people who are not prepared.

During the planning process, local governments had to address how they could continue essential services such as law enforcement, medical services, and utilities with reduced workforces. Schools had to determine when and if they would suspend classes, and if so, how they might still accomplish education activities. Hospitals have had to assess how they might function with only half of their staff and what services might have to be suspended.

In our 13-county area, county committees have worked diligently to create plans to address these problems. Not all problems are solved but work continues. During the past few years, each response agency has been improving their ability to work with other groups during such events. This strengthening of infrastructure has been concentrated from the federal level all the way down to the local level.

Law enforcement agencies, public health, and emergency management personnel have identified facilities to be used for dispensing medications to the general public in the event of a disease outbreak or terrorist attack. Other organizations have been included in these plans as needed.

Hospitals have received grants to increase their capabilities in responding to disasters. Regional Coordinating Hospitals were established to help move resources to needed areas and specialized software has been installed to help monitor bed capacity and patient tracking.

Communications between agencies and organizations have been improved to allow faster response. Mobile communications vehicles have been purchased and stand ready for deployment.

Organizations such as the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a base of volunteers to assist in the event of an emergency, have been formed. Individuals with medical and non-medical skills can participate in the MRCs. Currently there are over 250 MRC volunteers in our 13-county area.

On the federal level, the National Response Plan was developed and outlines the roles of federal, state, and local response agencies. The National Incident Management System (NIMS), a part of the National Response Plan, has been incorporated into the plans on the state and local level. NIMS is an incident management system that allows all agencies and organizations to operate under one system when responding to an emergency.

More preparedness information is available at your local health department, Emergency Management Agency office or these webs ites:www.ready.gov •www.phdistrict2.org •www.health.state.ga.us •www.pandemicflu.gov •www.fema.gov•www.redcross. org