KCER: Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition

Resolve to be ready!

2009-12-07T12:23:00.001-05:00

This New Year’s Eve, nearly 50 percent of Americans will make at least one resolution as they look toward 2010. KCER wants to encourage the renal community to make preparing for an emergency a resolution that is both important and easy to keep.

1. Create a family emergency plan.
Your family may not be together when an emergency happens, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. You can download a family emergency plan template from by visiting http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html

2. Put together an emergency supply kit. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. To find a complete checklist of the supplies your household may need in the event of an emergency, visit http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

3. Be informed about the different types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses. Learn about the hazards that may strike your community, the risks you face from these hazards, and your community’s plans for warning and evacuation. You can obtain this information by visiting http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/index.html

4. Get involved in emergency preparedness. Visit www.CitizenCorps.gov to find local Citizen Corps Councils, USAonWatch (Neighborhood Watch) groups, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Fire Corps programs, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) programs, and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units. Ask them what you can do to prepare and train yourself and your community for disasters and how to get involved locally.

Contact local chapters of the American Red Cross and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for local disaster preparedness and response service opportunities.

If you are interested in starting a local emergency preparedness initiative in your neighborhood or community, visit http://serve.gov/toolkits/disaster/index.asp to download a toolkit that will walk you through the steps to start a project.

KCER encourages you to use these tools to make a New Year’s resolution that will bring you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year, and remember, Resolve to Be Ready in 2010.

KCER Newsletter: winter weather checklist

2009-11-19T07:04:00.001-05:00

This month's issue of "Welcome to Disasterville" focuses on winter weather. Be sure to check it out at http://www.kcercoalition.com/newsletter.htm

KCER Summit: Save the date!

2009-11-18T07:53:00.002-05:00

Our next annual in-person meeting will be held on April 13, 2010. Please make plans to join us in Orlando, Florida for this event. The KCER Summit brings together KCER Coalition volunteers, members from the renal community, and disaster officials to showcase Coalition accomplishments and to discuss new ways to help kidney patients and providers become better prepared for disasters.

Accusure Insulin Syringes Qualitest Pharmaceuticals - Recall

2009-10-28T07:15:00.000-04:00

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a nationwide recall of Accusure Insulin Syringes. All syringes, regardless of lot number, are subject to this recall. These syringes were distributed between January 2002 and October 2009 to wholesale and retail pharmacies nationwide (including Puerto Rico). The syringes in these lots may have needles which detach from the syringe. If the needle becomes detached from the syringe during use, it can become stuck in the insulin vial, push back into to the syringe, or remain in the skin after injection. Consumers who have any Accusure® Insulin Syringes should stop using them and contact Qualitest at 1-800-444-4011 for reimbursement. You can find the lot number on the white paper backing of each individual syringe. Click here for more information.

Dexferrum (iron dextran injection) - Labeling Change

2009-10-19T08:27:00.000-04:00

American Regent and FDA notified healthcare professionals that anaphylactic-type reactions, including fatalities, have followed the parenteral administration of iron dextran injection. The Boxed Warning has been modified to recommend administering a test dose prior to the first therapeutic dose and observing for signs or symptoms of anaphylactic-type reactions during administration of Dexferrum. Fatal reactions have followed the test dose of iron dextran injection, even in situations where the test dose was tolerated. Patients with a history of drug allergy or multiple drug allergies may be at increased risk of anaphylactic-type reactions. It is recommended that resuscitation equipment and personnel trained in the detection and treatment of anaphylactic-type reactions be readily available during Dexferrum administration. For more information, visit FDA Medwatch and American Regent.

Unomedical Issues Worldwide Recall of Certain Manual Pulmonary Resuscitators

2009-10-12T07:51:00.001-04:00

Unomedical Inc., a manufacturer of medical devices, today announced that it is conducting a voluntary recall of certain units of the single-patient use Manual Pulmonary Resuscitator (MPR).

The recall only impacts MPRs manufactured from July 2002 – March 2008 and matching the lot numbers listed on the following Unomedical web page: http://www.unomedical.com/?pageid=H3160.

Unomedical is contacting customers to arrange for the return and credit of all MPR units subject to this recall by sending notification letters to distributors and customers. Customers with questions are urged to contact Unomedical at 1-800-634-6003.

Philips Issues Worldwide Recall of Select Heartstart Fr2+ Automated External Defibrillators

2009-10-05T08:13:00.000-04:00

September 28, 2009 - Seattle - Philips announced today that it is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,400 HeartStart FR2+ automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This recall is being conducted due to the possibility of a memory chip failure that may render the device inoperable. Only certain HeartStart FR2+ AEDs (models M3860A and M3861A, distributed by Philips; and models M3840A and M3841A, distributed by Laerdal Medical) manufactured between May, 2007 and January, 2008 are included in the voluntary recall.

The HeartStart FR2+ defibrillators are used by trained responders and designated response teams to help treat sudden cardiac arrest. The device automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and determines whether a defibrillation shock is needed. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the FR2+ instructs the responder to deliver defibrillation therapy.

Philips has received reports of a memory chip failure in a small number of FR2+ units manufactured in 2007 and early 2008. These reported failures were detected during routine self tests, not during emergency use of the AED. Failure of this chip could render the AED inoperable and prevent it from delivering therapy when indicated, although Philips has received no reports of injury associated with this chip failure.

The AEDs affected by this recall have been distributed globally to fire departments, emergency medical services, hospitals, and other organizations. Philips is contacting customers to arrange for the return and replacement of all the recalled AEDs by sending notification letters to distributors and users. In addition, the company has set up a page on the Philips Web site with a serial number look-up tool to allow customers to find out if their FR2+ is part of this recall, as well as instructions on what to do if it is. The Web page is www.philips.com/FR2PlusAction.

Philips has notified the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of its decision to voluntarily recall the affected product. Customers who have questions about the recall or wish to report product problems may contact HeartStart Customer Service at 1-800-263-3342.

Any adverse events experienced with the use of this product should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch Web site at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

2009-10-02T07:21:00.001-04:00

New USP Standards for Heparin Products Will Result in Decreased Potency Adjustments may be needed to achieve desired anticoagulant effect in some patients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today alerted health care professionals to a change in heparin manufacturing that is expected to decrease the potency of the common blood-clotting drug.

To ensure the quality of heparin and to guard against potential contamination, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a nonprofit standards-setting organization, adopted new manufacturing controls for heparin. These changes include a modification of the reference standard for the drug’s unit dose.

Manufacturers in the United States label the amount of heparin included in their products based on USP standards. The changes adopted by the USP for the heparin unit dose match the World Health Organization’s International Standard (IS) unit dose definition that has been in use in Europe for many years. The revised USP reference standard and unit definition for heparin is about 10 percent less potent than the former USP unit.

FDA Alert to Health Care Professionals

USP Heparin Information

Information for Consumers: What You Should Know about Changes to Heparin

National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities

2009-09-24T10:41:00.001-04:00

http://www.diversitypreparedness.org/

The National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities, developed by the Drexel University School of Public Health’s Center for Health Equality, with support from the HHS Office of Minority Health.

This website provides information on preparedness in a variety of languages, including: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Bosnian, Brazilian, Burmese, Chamorro, Chinese, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Chuukese, Croatian, Dutch, English, Ethiopian, Farsi, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Khmer/Cambodian, Kirundi, Korean, Kurdish, Laotian, Marshallese, Mien, Oromo, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Sri Lanka, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Tongan, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yupik.

International Clean Hands Week is Sept. 20-26, 2009

2009-09-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Clean Hands Coalition (CHC) reminds healthcare professionals that International Clean Hands Week is Sept. 20-26, 2009. The Clean Hands Coalition is a unified alliance of public and private partners working together to create and support coordinated, sustained initiatives to significantly improve health and save lives through hand hygiene. The CHC is facilitated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) For more information and ideas on how to celebrate this week by raising hand hygiene awareness, go to http://www.cleanhandscoalition.org/nchw.htm

Recall: Physio-Control Inc., LIFEPAK CR Plus Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

2009-09-16T13:51:00.001-04:00

Audience: Emergency medical personnel, consumers

[Posted 09/16/2009] FDA notified healthcare professionals of a Class I recall of certain LIFEPAK CR Plus Automated External Defibrillators (AED) manufactured and distributed from July 9, 2008 through August 19, 2008. An extremely humid environment may cause the affected devices to improperly analyze the heart rhythm and may cause the device to delay or fail to deliver therapy.

The AEDs were manufactured and distributed from July 9, 2008 through August 19, 2008. An extremely humid environment may cause the LIFEPAK CR Plus AED to improperly analyze the rhythm correctly and may cause the device to delay or fail to delivery therapy.

Physio-Control called their customers from August 18-19, 2009 with a follow-up email message on August 20, 2009. The company sent replacements on August 19, 2009.Class I recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious injury or death.

Any adverse events or quality problems that may be related to the use of this product should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by phone [1-800-332-1088], or by returning the postage-paid FDA Form 3500 by mail or fax [1-800-FDA-0178].

[09/16/2009 - Recall Notice - FDA]

FDA ALERT: MYFORTIC

2009-09-08T09:15:00.000-04:00

Myfortic (mycophenolic acid)

Audience: Renal, cardiac, and hepatic transplantation healthcare professionals

Novartis and FDA notified healthcare professionals that cases of Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with Myfortic. The WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the Myfortic Prescribing Information have been revised to reflect this new safety information.

PRCA is a type of anemia in which there is a selective reduction of red blood cell precursors on bone marrow examination. Patients with PRCA may present with fatigue, lethargy, and/or abnormal paleness of the skin (pallor). In some cases, PRCA was found to be reversible with dose reduction or cessation of Myfortic therapy. In transplant patients, however, reduced immunosuppression may place the graft at risk.

Read the complete MedWatch Safety summmary at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm181306.htm

Levemir Insulin (Novo Nordisk):Stolen vials still may be on market

2009-08-27T09:28:00.000-04:00

FDA is reminding the public that stolen vials of the long-acting insulin Levemir made by Novo Nordisk Inc. still may be on the market. Evidence gathered to date suggests that the stolen insulin was not stored and handled properly and may be dangerous for people to use. FDA has received multiple reports of patients who suffered an adverse event due to poor control of glucose levels after using a vial from one of the stolen lots.

Read the complete MedWatch 2009 Safety summary including a link to the FDA News release and the original June 13,2009 alerts at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm166359.htm

Join us for the next Coffee House Conversations™ telephone call!

2009-08-25T12:58:00.001-04:00

To empower and educate individuals affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), transplantation and donation, the National Kidney Foundation’s People Like Us hosts monthly Coffee House Conversations™ telephone calls. On these free, interactive telephone calls, you will hear from experts, and be given an opportunity to ask them questions.

Dial in to the toll free number and enter the password below for all Coffee House Conversations™ telephone series calls.

Call-In Number: 888-603-9220
Password: KIDNEY

The next call is:

Get Ready for an Emergency
Tuesday, September 15
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET
call in: 1.888.603.9220
Pass code: KIDNEY

*Space is limited! You can register online now, call 1-888-JOIN-NKF (888-564-6653) or fill out this registration form (PDF* download).

Send an e-mail to coffeehouse@kidney.org for more information or to submit questions about upcoming calls.

2009-08-25T09:36:00.001-04:00

August 24, 2009

Accusure Insulin Syringes [31G, 1/2 cc and 1 cc]

Audience: Patients with diabetes mellitus, pharmacists and diabetes healthcare professionals. Qualitest Pharmaceuticals and FDA notified patients and healthcare professionals of a voluntary nationwide recall of two lots of Accusure Insulin Syringes. The syringes in these lots have been found to have needles which can detach from the syringe. When the needle becomes detached from the syringe during use, it can become stuck in the insulin vial, push back into the syringe, or remain in the skin after an injection. Consumers who have any recalled Accusure Insulin Syringes (31 G –Short Needle-either 1/2 cc or 1 cc, lot number 6JCB1 or lot number 7CPT1) should stop using them and contact Qualitest at 1-800-444-4011 for product replacement instructions. The lot number can be found on the white paper backing of each individual syringe. These recalled products were distributed from January 2007 through June 2008 to wholesalers and retail pharmacies nationwide (including Puerto Rico). This information is posted here.

August 13, 2009

GDH-PQQ (glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinoline quinone) Glucose Monitoring Technology

Audience: Diabetes healthcare professionals, hospital risk managers, patients. FDA notified healthcare professionals of the possibility of falsely elevated blood glucose results when using GDH-PQQ glucose test strips on patients who are receiving therapeutic products containing certain non-glucose sugars. These sugars can falsely elevate glucose results, which may mask significant hypoglycemia or prompt excessive insulin administration, leading to serious injury or death.

GDH-PQQ glucose monitoring measures a patient’s blood glucose value using methodology that cannot distinguish between glucose and other sugars. Certain non-glucose sugars, including maltose, xylose, and galactose, are found in certain drug and biologic formulations, or can result from the metabolism of a drug or therapeutic product. The FDA Public Health Notification provides a list of GDH-PQQ Glucose Test Strips and recommends that healthcare practitioners avoid using GDH-PQQ glucose test strips in healthcare facilities or take steps to never use them on patients receiving interfering substances.

PATIENT EDUCATION WEEK

2009-08-17T14:46:00.000-04:00

National Emergency Preparedness Education Week For Kidney Patients
September 13-19, 2009

The week of September 13-19, 2009 has been designated as the time for education and emergency preparedness for all patients requiring renal replacement therapy. All dialysis and transplant facilities across the United States will prepare each patient for the unexpected.

KCER READY!

2009-08-17T10:18:00.005-04:00

In honor of National Preparedness Month, we are very pleased to introduce KCER READY!

KCER READY! is a self assessment to help dialysis facilities and ESRD organizations promote a higher level of disaster preparedness for their staff and patients. We invite you to take a short quiz to evaluate your level of preparedness. Some of these questions are based on the national Readiness Quotient and others are based on the ESRD Conditions for Coverage regarding emergency preparedness. Are you KCER READY?

Surviving the Storm - A Success!

2009-08-07T10:18:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone for making "Surviving the Storm: Disasters and Dialysis" a success. Our speakers included representatives from the Medical Reserve Corps and the National Weather Service. There were more than 75 registered attendees, including dialysis providers, industry leaders, government officials, and ESRD Networks.

For those who could not attend the meeting, please review the presentations and handouts posted at http://www.kcercoalition.com/cpp.htm.

Disasterville - Volume 5, August 2009

2009-07-20T11:41:00.007-04:00

The new issue of "WELCOME TO DISASTERVILLE" has been posted to the KCER website.

September is National Preparedness Month.

Ready is a national public service campaign sponsored by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with The Advertising Council. The Campaign educates and empowers Americans to prepare for, and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

The Campaign’s goal is to get Americans involved and ultimately increase our nation’s level of preparedness. Emergencies can range from inconvenient to devastating. But taking some simple preparedness steps in advance can minimize their impact your life.

Being Ready includes: getting an Emergency Supply Kit; making a Family Emergency Plan; being Informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses; and getting Involved in community efforts

Read the newest copy of Disasterville for a list of conferences and meetings where you can stop by the KCER exhibit for more information.

Win Big With Quality!

2009-07-02T13:08:00.002-04:00

FMQAI: The Florida ESRD Network is pleased to announce its 2009 Annual Forum at the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza from November 15-17, 2009. The 2009 Annual Forum will provide you with excellent opportunities to share best practices and meet with the leaders in the renal community. Please join the Network, while we focus on the CMS goals of protecting patient safety, enhancing ongoing quality improvement, and improving patients’ experience of dialysis care.

SURVIVING THE STORM: DISASTERS & DIALYSIS

2009-06-22T15:09:00.000-04:00

SURVIVING THE STORM:
DISASTERS AND DIALYSIS
August 3, 2009 - Dallas, Texas

RESCHEDULED!

SURVIVING THE STORM: DISASTERS AND DIALYSIS is a forum to ensure effective preparedness and efficient response to disasters impacting kidney dialysis and transplant patients and facilities.

This conference will focus on special requirements of dialysis and transplant patients, inclusion of the ESRD population in emergency and disaster plans, applying national emergency management principles to dialysis/transplant, disaster education to advance the quality of care, and weather service resources available to the kidney community.

This meeting is free and open to the public but you must register to attend. Please complete and return the registration form.

Surviving the Storm: Disasters and Dialysis
Monday, August 3, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Adolphus Hotel
Dallas, Texas

This agenda is tentative as of June 22, 2009. A finalized agenda will be posted soon. Please contact Sherilyn Burris, sburris@nw7.esrd.net if you have questions about this meeting or would like to exhibit your company/organization.

Hotel Reservations

A limited number of rooms at the Adolphus Hotel have been set aside for all attendees at a government rate of $115.00. To make your reservations, please contact Kolina Ford at (813) 383-1530 xt3884 or kford@nw7.esrd.net. Room reservations must be made by Monday, July 20, 2009 to receive this discounted rate.

MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS: Volunteers building strong, healthy, and prepared communities.

2009-06-19T12:13:00.000-04:00

The MRC was founded after President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. It is a partner program with Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers.

MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. Many community members—interpreters, chaplains, office workers, legal advisors, and others—can fill key support positions.

MRC volunteers also strengthen the overall health of Americans by participating in general public health initiatives such as flu vaccination clinics and diabetes detection programs. MRC volunteers can choose to support communities in need nationwide.

For more information, visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov

Ready.gov: Hurricanes

2009-06-16T14:15:00.001-04:00

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Scientists can now predict hurricanes, but people who live in coastal communities should plan what they will do if they are told to evacuate.

Step 1: Get A Kit / "To-Go Bag"

Get an Emergency Supply Kit,which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car. This kit should include:
- Copies of prescription medications and medical supplies;
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows;
- Bottled water, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight;
- Copies of important documents: driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Make sure you have a “to-go bag” ready in case you need to evacuate, include:
- Water and non-perishable food;
- Battery operated radio and batteries so you can get important information from local officials;
- First aid kit;
- Flashlight;
- Maps
- Important documents such as proof residence, pictures of your family including pets, insurance policies, and tax records;
- Comfortable clothing and blankets;
- Unique family needs such as prescription medications, pet supplies, infant supplies or any other unique need your family may have;

Step 2: Make a Plan

Prepare your family

Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency
Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.
Plan to Evacuate
- Identify ahead of time where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
- Identify several places you could go in an emergency, a friend's home in another town, a motel or public shelter.
- If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.
- If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.
- Take your Emergency Supply Kit.
- Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency.
Take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class from your local Citizen Corps chapter. Keep your training current.

Step 3: Be Informed

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.

A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

**Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale**
Scale Number (Category)	Sustained Winds (MPH)	Damage	Storm Surge
1	74-95	Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs.	4-5 feet
2	96-110	Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding.	6-8 feet
3	111-130	Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off.	9-12 feet
4	131-155	Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded.	13-18 feet
5	More than 155	Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded.	Greater than 18 feet

Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm. Learn more about preparing your home or business for a possible flood by reviewing the Floods page.

Prepare Your Home

Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off propane tanks.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Prepare Your Business

Plan to stay in business, talk to your employees, and protect your investment.

Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.
Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not accessible.
- Consider if you can run the business from a different location or from your home.
- Develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable.
Learn about programs, services, and resources at U.S. Small Business Administration.

Listen to Local Officials
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Federal and National Resources

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane by visiting the following resources:

OSHA Fact Sheet: Respirators versus surgical masks

2009-06-08T10:02:00.001-04:00

The KCER Pandemic Team has posted a new resource to their web page.

"OSHA FACT SHEET. Respiratory Infection Control: Respirators versus surgical masks."

You can access this important information at the KCER Pandemic Team's page at www.kcercoalition.com/pandemic.htm

Pandemic Flu: Lessons From the Frontlines

2009-06-05T09:21:00.001-04:00

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/?reportid=64

Trust for America's Health (TFAH), the Center for Biosecurity, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) analyze the initial response to the H1N1 outbreak, Pandemic Flu: Lessons From the Frontlines, which found that U.S. officials executed strong coordination and communication and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, but it also how quickly the nation's core public health capacity would be overwhelmed if an outbreak were more severe or widespread.

The Pandemic Flu: Lessons From the Frontlines report reviews 10 early lessons learned from the response to the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak, 10 ongoing core vulnerabilities in U.S. pandemic flu preparedness, and case studies of challenges communities around the country faced when responding to the outbreak. The 10 early lessons learned from the 2009 H1N1 outbreak in the report were that:

Investments in pandemic planning and stockpiling antiviral medications paid off;
Public health departments did not have enough resources to carry out plans;
Response plans must be adaptable and science-driven;
Providing clear, straightforward information to the public was essential for allaying fears and building trust;
School closings have major ramifications for students, parents and employers;
Sick leave and policies for limiting mass gatherings were also problematic;
Even with a mild outbreak, the health care delivery system was overwhelmed;
Communication between the public health system and health providers was not well coordinated;
WHO pandemic alert phases caused confusion; and
International coordination was more complicated than expected.

The report also identifies some surprises encountered during the H1N1 outbreak, including that much of the world's pandemic planning had revolved around the potential threat of the H5N1 (bird) flu virus, which had been circulating in Asia and elsewhere for nearly a decade. It also reveals that planners anticipated there would be six weeks of lead time between the time a novel flu virus was identified and its spread to the United States.

In addition, according to the analysis in Pandemic Flu: Lessons From the Frontlines, there are a number of systemic gaps in the nation's ability to respond to a pandemic flu outbreak. To further strengthen U.S. preparedness, the following 10 core areas must be addressed:

Maintaining the Strategic National Stockpile - making sure enough antiviral medications, vaccinations, and equipment are available to protect Americans, which includes replenishing the stockpile when medications and supplies are used;
Vaccine development and production - enhancing the biomedical research and development abilities of the United States to rapidly develop and produce a vaccine;
Vaccinating all Americans - ensuring that all Americans would be able to be inoculated in a short period of time;
Planning and Coordination - improving coordination among federal, state, and local governments and the private sector preparedness and planning activities on an ongoing basis, including taking into account how the nature of flu threats change over time;
School closings, sick leave, and community mitigation strategies - improving strategies to limit the spread of disease ensuring all working Americans have sick leave benefits and that communities are prepared to limit public gatherings and close schools as necessary;
Global coordination - building trust, technologies, and policies internationally to encourage science-based, consistent decision making across borders during an outbreak;
Resources - providing enough funding for the on-the-ground response, which is currently under funded and overextended;
Workforce - stopping layoffs at state and local health departments and recruiting the next generation of public health professionals;
Surge capacity - improving the ability for health providers to manage a massive influx of patients; and
Caring for the uninsured and underinsured - ensuring that all Americans will receive care during an emergency, which limits the spread of the contagious disease to others, and making sure hospitals and health care providers are compensated for providing care.