Homeland Security Program Office

Influenza Information and Planning in NOAA

 

Guidance for NOAA Employees

The dynamic nature of a pandemic influenza requires that the scope of Federal government Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning takes a non-traditional approach to continuity planning and readiness.  Planning and preparing for a catastrophic event that is not geographically or temporally bounded calls for a creative and dynamic approach.  The Office of National Security Coordination which is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Interagency Pandemic Influenza Working Group, developed guidance to assist the Federal Executive Branch departments and agencies in identifying those considerations which may have a substantial impact on the continuity of their organizations during a pandemic.  NOAA used this guidance to develop a NOAA Pandemic Influenza Annex to the NOAA Continuity of Operations Plan.  This Annex serves to provide key policy, advice and specific activities to prepare and respond to the different phases of a Pandemic.

 

Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist, developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic:  http://www.flu.gov/professional/pdf/individuals.pdf

 

2009 H1N1 Flu Information

Human cases of the 2009 H1N1 flu have been identified throughout much of the United States and other countries. It is important to recognize the ongoing nature of this event and the fact that public health guidance may change as this event transpires and more becomes known about this new virus. Public health officials advise that good health habits like covering your cough and sneezes with a tissue, and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Persons who develop influenza-like illness, may be ill for a week or longer, and should stay home and avoid contact with other persons, except to seek medical care. Consult your health care provider for specific questions. In general you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to co-workers, friends and family members. The best source of the most up-to-date information and guidance can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Most experts agree that there is a growing and significant threat of a flu pandemic. Right now no one knows when the next pandemic will occur or how severe it may be. However, we do know that many of the things the Federal Government is doing to plan and prepare for a pandemic will help the Nation be prepared for all hazards. While the current 2009 H1N1 Flu outbreak has been mild, there is concern that this strain could have an even greater impact during the fall and winter months. In the past, similar events have happened.

For further information on pandemic flu; www.pandemicflu.gov

Additional Questions :  If you additional questions, please contact us at Employee.status@noaa.gov. While this e-mail address is not be staffed on a 24x7 basis, we promise to acknowledge your e-mail as soon as possible, and address your emergency situation.