State, Local Schools Working Together to Address the Flu Season and Novel H1N1 Virus

Georgia’s colleges and universities and local school systems are making preparations to deal with the possible spread of the novel H1N1 flu virus.

“This year, Georgia faces a unique challenge in planning for and handling concerns about the H1N1 flu virus in our schools,” said Governor Sonny Perdue, who sent a letter this week to local school superintendents informing them of plans to continue close communications from the state. “The state is working closely with local systems and our colleges and universities to ensure we are responding in a way that will limit the spread of the virus and reduce the impact on our students.”

Earlier this year, State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox and Georgia Department of Community Health Commissioner Rhonda Medows jointly communicated to local school superintendents outlining some of the steps that should be taken to prepare. In addition, Commissioner Medows will host a teleconference with superintendents tomorrow, and another is already planned for next week as well. Georgia DOE has a website for information about the H1N1 virus – www.tinyurl.com/gadoeflusite . Similar joint communications have also been sent from Commissioner Medows and University System Chancellor Erroll Davis to university and college presidents and from Commissioner Medows and Technical System Commissioner Ron Jackson to technical college presidents.

“In addition to practicing good hand hygiene, we are encouraging everyone – both students and teachers – to receive the seasonal flu shot,” Commissioner Medows said. “Those who become ill with flu symptoms should recover at home and remember to cover their mouths when coughing to reduce the spread to family and friends.”

Schools can take some simple, temporary steps to help limit the spread of the virus and reduce the workload on the public health system. For example, the state is recommending that schools not require a doctor’s note for a student to return to school because of the increased burden it places on doctors’ offices already busy treating those currently ill. Also, any students and staff that are ill should be separated from others until they can be taken home. Frequent hand-washing is encouraged, as well as the use of hand sanitizers, particularly before snacks, meals and after bathroom breaks. Schools should also reduce any focus on perfect attendance programs, which often encourage sick students to come to school when they should be at home.

“I know that the news about H1N1 Flu is unsettling for parents, students and educators, but I would encourage everyone to focus on preparation and prevention. Since last spring, the Georgia Department of Education has been working closely with the Georgia Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control on this issue,” added Superintendent Cox. “We have been regularly communicating with our local school districts and providing them with guidance, best practices and the most up-to-date information we have. Additionally, we are working with state and federal officials on plans for a mass vaccination program involving schools, should that be the recommendation of the health experts.”

In addition to precautions taken at school, parents and students can also take some simple steps to protect themselves, such as following basic personal hygiene practices such as covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Also, the Division of Public Health is recommending citizens receive the seasonal flu shot to protect against that separate strain of flu. It is also important for parents to seek care from a doctor when a child develops flu symptoms, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those with asthma or other chronic illnesses. Parents should plan for the possibility that they may have to stay home with a sick child.

“Every TCSG college should assist our faculty, staff and students with specific information to prevent the spread of the flu, including the H1N1 virus,” said Commissioner Jackson. “Knowing what to do, including practicing good hygiene, understanding flu symptoms, and seeking medical attention if sick are all essential preventative steps. It is important that our colleges work hard to help to contain the spread of the flu, especially given the size of our college system and the fact that there are thousands of people on our campuses who are studying and learning in close proximity to each other.”

The University System of Georgia has been preparing for months, well in advance of the H1N1 arrival in Georgia. USG institutions continue to work with health officials in their immediate area, monitor local conditions and increase campus community awareness of simple preventative measures. Some institutions are providing hand sanitizer dispensers in food service areas and restrooms as well as handing out small personal bottles of sanitizer.

Institutions continue to remain vigilant, share information from reliable, reputable sources and adjust emergency plans as necessary to meet the changing challenges of H1N1. All institutions have existing pandemic flu plans which include the designation of an institution pandemic response coordinator. Based on the challenges of H1N1, many institutions have adjusted their pandemic flu plans and continue to meet and talk with campus response/planning committees.

“Ensuring the health and safety of our campuses remains our utmost concern,” said Chancellor Davis. “We will continue to coordinate with local and state public health officials as we monitor and respond to any reported cases at our 35 institutions.”

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UGA Symposium Covers Outbreaks and How to Prepare November 21

Deadly disease outbreaks that could threaten public safety and how the university and the government are preparing to handle them will be the topics of a campus symposium, “Diseases—What’s next… How are we preparing?” on Friday, Nov. 21, 8:30 a.m.– noon in rooms K-L of the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel. The symposium brings together UGA professors and a public health professional to discuss biological outbreaks, zoonotic diseases and threat responses. It is free and open to the public.

This forum is a way to educate the public about what threats are out there and inform people about the best practices they can use to protect themselves and their families,” said John Newton, event organizer and an emergency operations coordinator in the UGA Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The forum features three prominent experts in the fields of life sciences and public health: Corrie Brown, pathology professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine; Chris Whalen, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in the College of Public Health; and Dr. Stan Edwards, from the Georgia Division of Public Health and recently retired emergency coordinator with Gwinnett County.

“Seventy-five percent of all emerging diseases come from animals—think SARS, bird flu, West Nile virus. Hey, it’s time to think one medicine,” said Brown. “There is always the possibility of a terrorist introducing a new disease, but I think Mother Nature is probably the most dependable terrorist—she is always coming up with new diseases,” added Brown. “It’s not a question of if, but when.”

“I will be presenting some basic information about how epidemics develop and spread. From our understanding of the spread of an infectious disease we can devise interventions to limit, or better to prevent, the spread of infection,” said Whalen. “I will provide a framework for thinking about these questions.”

Edwards will discuss the public health response to disease outbreaks and what individuals can do to protect themselves when outbreaks occur.

The forum, part of the Academic-Professional Security Series, is sponsored by the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Center for International Trade and Security.

For more information, see www.osep.uga.edu.

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Active 2008 Hurricane Season Predictions Reinforce the Need to Prepare

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center announced recently that projected climate conditions point to a near normal or above normal hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this year. The prediction was issued at a news conference which urged residents in vulnerable areas to be fully prepared for the onset of hurricane season, which begins June 1. In addition, the 2008 outlook indicates a 60 to 70 percent chance of 12 to 16 named storms, including 6 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale).

“Living in a coastal state means having a plan for each and every hurricane season. Review or complete emergency plans now - before a storm threatens,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “Planning and preparation is the key to storm survival and recovery.”

The American Red Cross urges the public to renew hurricane preparedness, sensing that it may not be top of mind after two uneventful hurricane seasons. It is recommended that everyone dust off their disaster supplies kit and get better prepared now for a variety of disasters such as hurricanes and the high winds, flooding and tornadoes that may accompany them.

“By taking three basic preparedness actions you can get “Red Cross Ready” for disasters and other emergencies 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed,” said Mary S. Elcano, Acting President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross is also here to help you get prepared for specific disasters like hurricanes. Even if you took action to prepare last hurricane season, it’s important that you revisit and update your communication plan and check your disaster supplies kit for expired items.”

The American Red Cross recommends the following preparedness actions:

Get or assemble a disaster supplies kit:

Gather enough emergency supplies to meet your needs. A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home and to keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car. Check your kit and replace the stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your kit should include:

A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods, such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, canned fruit, juice boxes, etc.
A manual can opener
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
A first aid kit and reference guide
Prescription and non-prescription medication items
Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards
Cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
A change of clothes for everyone, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy footwear
One blanket or sleeping bag per person
Emergency tools, including tools to turn off utilities
An extra set of home and car keys
An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, extra batteries for hearing aids
Pet supplies

Prepare a Personal Disaster and Evacuation Plan

The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.

Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered and why it is important to prepare for a disaster.

Identify two meeting places; One right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.

Be sure to make advanced preparations for your pets. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in shelters. Contact hotels, motels, family members and animal shelters to see if they would allow pets in a disaster situation. Keep a contact list of “pet friendly” locations. If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you.

Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. During or after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance, especially if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your emergency contact person’s phone number and email address.

Tell your family about the Safe and Well web site accessible at all times via www.redcross.org. The Safe and Well Web site is an Internet-based tool that allows those directly affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster affected area are able to select and post standard “safe and well” messages. Concerned family members who know the person’s phone number (home, cell, or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who self-register.

Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water and electricity at the main switches. Turn gas off only if instructed by local authorities. Remember, if the gas is shut-off, only a professional can turn it back on.

Plan your evacuation route. Use local maps and identify alternate evacuation routes from home, work and/or school. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home.

Be informed:

Find out what types of disasters are likely to occur in your area and how to prepare for each.
Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.

Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for details about community disaster education presentations that may be arranged or are available in your workplace, school or community organization.

Get trained in CPR and first aid so you will know how to respond to emergencies in the event that help is delayed.

If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. You may choose to evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time.

Know what to do if a hurricane WATCH is issued:

Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired.

Know what to do if a hurricane WARNING is issued

Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
If in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities.
Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
Do NOT use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.
For more information regarding how individuals and families can prepare for disasters or to purchase emergency preparedness and first aid kits, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Hurricane Season Begins June 1st - CPSC Urges Consumers to Prepare for Dangers After the Storm

June 1st marks the start of hurricane season. As you put your hurricane plan in place to protect your family and your home, CPSC is urging consumers to include a plan for after the storm.

If a storm knocks out power, consumers who use portable gasoline generators to restore power can place themselves at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Only use portable generators outdoors, far away from the doors, windows and vents of indoor spaces. Generators should never be used indoors, including inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces and sheds.

The amount of CO from one generator is equivalent to hundreds of idling cars in a garage and can kill consumers in minutes. At least 65 people died from CO poisoning associated with portable generators in 2006.

CPSC also advises consumers to keep charcoal grills outside. Never use them indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of CO.

If flooding occurs after a storm, do not use gas or electrical appliances or equipment that has been submerged. The electrical components and safety controls may be damaged and burner parts may be plugged with debris, leading to a fire risk. Have fireplaces, furnaces, and other heating equipment inspected by a professional to make sure they are working properly.

CPSC recommends that consumers install CO alarms in their homes as a line of defense against CO poisoning. Battery operated CO alarms or plug-in alarms with battery back-up add an important layer of protection in consumers' homes. Remember to replace CO alarm batteries annually.