Barb Graff, Director Office of Emergency Management City of Seattle, WA

1. Barb Graff, DirectorOffice of Emergency ManagementCity of Seattle, WA July 18, 2006 Pandemic Flu Planning at the Local Level

2. Preparing for Pandemic InfluenzaPublic Health - Seattle & King County

3. Pandemic Impacts • Illness will spread quickly and globally • Pandemics can disproportionately effect younger people • The health care delivery system will be overwhelmed • Significant disruptions of critical infrastructure, first response systems, and social services may occur

4. Pandemic Planning Assumptions • Extreme staff shortages (25-40%) • Impacts will last for weeks to months • Overwhelming demand for services • Supply and commodity shortages • Mutual aid will not be an option

5. Pandemic Influenza Plan Objectives • Limit sickness and death • Maintain continuity of essential services • Minimize social disruption • Minimize economic losses

6. Build on Existing Plans • Use existing emergency operations plans • Use the Incident Command System concepts • Create community partnerships • Plan, train, and exercise together • Preparedness as a way of life v. a special activity

7. Local Government Response • Work closely with Public Health agency and experts • Work with health care system partners to identify alternate care options • Increase surveillance • Promote continuity of operations and business continuity plans • Educate the public

8. Local Government Essential Functions • 911 phone calls • Potable water • Traffic systems • Electric power • Case management • Food programs

9. Continuity of Operations Planning • Identify essential functions • Cross train staff • Identify telecommuting opportunities • Relax personnel policies (sick leave, flexible shifts, etc.) • Suspend non-critical functions • Stock extra supplies • Identify ways to maintain payroll functions • Make alcohol gel, disinfectant wipes available

10. Other Strategies • Close public gathering places • Offer advice on caring for family members • Place hand gel and masks in public places • Involve your employees in the solutions • Invite your public into the planning

11. Pandemic Preparedness – a Community Responsibility

12. Educate the Public • Explain the risk and what they can do • Store emergency supplies • Plan with family members • Learn how to care for loved ones at home • Teach respiratory etiquette and social distancing techniques

13. Prevent the Spread of Illness • Stay home when you are sick • Cover your cough • Wash hands regularly/use alcohol hand gel • Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth • Maintain several feet distance • Clean commonly used surfaces

14. Public Information • Single message; many voices • Consistent advice; many sources • Be candid and available • Learn to communicate in painful, uncertain times

15. Public Health Department Seattle/King County www.metrokc.gov/health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.pandemicflu.gov Fact sheets Planning checklists Educational materials For More Information