Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Tips to prepare for flu outbreak
Businesses, organizations and residents can take steps to prepare for the worst if bird flu strikes.
Recommendations include:
- Businesses should immediately come up with a contingency plan to put in place in case 5 percent of their employees are out sick. Companies should establish a clear line of succession in case top management is out sick or dies. Cross-train workers to perform other duties to keep the business going. Contact your local area Chamber of Commerce to find out how to apply for emergency loans in case commerce is stymied during a pandemic.
- Families should draft wills or specific instructions on who can care for children if parents die or become ill for extended periods. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a planning guide at www.aap.org. Click on disaster under children's health topics.
- Churches and child-care organizations should devise plans for quickly setting up orphanages in case large numbers of parents die. Families also should be prepared to take in foster children, and teach kids at home in case schools stay closed for weeks.
- Workers who don't get paid sick days should set aside funds in case they are out of work for weeks or months.
