Faculty/Staff Information

Now is the time to start preparing for any type of emergency, including pandemic avian flu. The effects of a pandemic could be severe, with many people becoming sick, unable to work or staying home to care for sick family members. Schools and businesses, including stores, might temporarily close.

In such a crisis, it is feasible that the College could be closed and students would be required to go home. It is important to consider how these events would impact the college, your classes, work and family. Below are some areas to consider and questions to ask yourself.

Prepare for an Emergency Closing

If the College were closed and students were required to go home, please consider the following:

• How could your course work and/or professional responsibilities be adapted in order to teach/work from home, assuming that technology were available?
• What preparations and adaptations can you make now to facilitate this change if such an event occurred?

Plan with Family Members

In the event of an emergency, have a plan for the safety of young and elderly family members. Develop an Emergency Plan and complete a Family Emergency Health Information Sheet.

Other Things to Consider

• Travel
• Potential quarantines

Prepare Your Home with Adequate Supplies

Most important for emergency preparedness is having supplies on hand. You’ll need provisions to carry you through two weeks or more. Remember, there may be no electricity or clean water. Everyday conveniences, and even necessities, may not be readily available.

Below are important items for your emergency supplies. Stock up today. Some of the health, medical and emergency items can be stored in water-resistant containers and replenished as necessary. These items are important for any type of emergency.

Food and Non-Perishables

Have at least two weeks supply of non-perishable/special dietary foods (there may not be any refrigeration):

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, etc.
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter or nuts
• Dried fruit
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Canned or jarred baby food and formula
• Bottled water (Estimate one gallon per person per day for two weeks, at least)
• Pet food

Health, Medical, and Emergency Supplies

Have at least two weeks supply of prescription medicines, including glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment.

• First aid book and kit including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compress, non- aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea medication, thermometer, plastic gloves and masks
• Infant necessities such as medication, sterile water, diapers, ready formula, bottles
• Water purification kits such as tablets, chlorine (plain) and iodine
• Clean up supplies such as mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant
• Non-electric can opener
• Flashlights and batteries for each member of the family
• Portable radio and (seven sets) batteries
• Extra batteries for radio, portable TV and lamps, etc.
• Plastic trash bags
• Toilet paper, paper towels and pre-moistened towelettes, eating utensils, masking tape and zip-lock bags.

Precious Commodities

• Gas
• Cash. With no power, banks may be closed, checks and credit cards unaccepted, and ATMs may not be operational
• Charcoal, wooden matches and grill
• Ice

Evacuation/Relocation Necessities

• Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses
• Extra clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, raingear, etc.
• Folding chairs, lawn chairs or cots
• Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
• Quiet games, books, playing cards and favorite toys for children
• Important papers such as driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories

Further Web Resources for Faculty and Staff

Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families
http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/guide.pdf

Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html

Family Emergency Health Information Sheet
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/familyhealthinfo.html

Emergency Contacts Form
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/emergencycontacts.html

Seven Keys to a Safer Healthier Home
http://lysol.com/avian_flu/OOP_Brochure.pdf

Emergency Supplies Kit
http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

http://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP%2006/Apr%2006.pdf

Personal/Family Preparedness Plan: “PEACE” of Mind
http://yalenewhavenhealth.org/emergency/progsvcs/pdffiles/PEACE_Checklist_English.pdf

Yale New Haven Avian Flu information
http://yalenewhavenhealth.org/emergency/influenza/index.html

SUNY Pandemic Flu Web Site
http://www.suny.edu/pandemicflu/index.cfm