Be prepared!

Flu preparation is critical

By The Sentinel, December 17, 2006

The state and federal governments are planning for it. The world, through the United Nation's World Health Organization is, too.

Now local emergency response agencies are asking: What are you doing to prepare for a possible flu pandemic?

If we learned anything from disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, these local leaders point out, it's that the best defense in times of trouble is the planning and preparation you do at home - well ahead of time.

Few alive today remember the great flu pandemic of 1918, but the lessons of that history are harsh. The so-called Spanish influenza claimed 50 million lives worldwide, half a million in the U.S.

In Pennsylvania, according to information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services on its Web site, www.pandemicflu.gov, the flu struck quickly and without warning.

On Sept. 27, 1918, a few cases were reported. But by Oct. 4, disease was epidemic in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Nearly 15,000 cases were counted in the first 18 days of October.

In the hardest-hit city, Philadelphia, essential services collapsed, as police officers, firefighters, garbage collectors and city administrators succumbed.

In many ways, we may be even more vulnerable to a pandemic today. Our food distribution system is complex, with food sources hundreds and thousands of miles away. The majority of us depend on public utilities to supply our homes with heat, light and water. What would we do if there were no one to drive or unload the trucks, stock the shelves or operate the plants?

If we aren't prepared, our lives - apart from the flu - would be at risk.

In Cumberland County, a Pandemic Action Community Task Force began meeting in November. Last week, it started getting the word out that, while people shouldn't panic, they should do a better job of anticipating what could happen.

And it's not just the flu to be feared, notes the county's chief of public safety, Eric Hoerner: “If we had a winter storm coming through that closes the roadways or causes a long-term power outage, you would need the same supplies as for avian flu planning.”

Preparation is simple - stockpile two to four weeks' worth of nonperishable food, water, prescription drugs, medical supplies and sanitizers.

And watch for the 12-page guide the task force is issuing in January to educate the public. “Pandemic Flu” covers symptoms, the nature of the disease, what a pandemic would be like, preparedness, prevention, treatment and caregiving tips.

The task force plans to distribute 20,000 copies at post offices and other places were people are likely to come across it.

Hopefully, the best-laid and best-executed plans will never be needed. But in case a widespread disaster such as a pandemic were to strike our area, it's far better to be ready.