It’s Time to Brush Off the Pandemic Plan

As we navigate our way through the complexities of various threats and hazards, it’s crucial to stay prepared for emerging risks. During a recent Threat and Hazard Assessment, the topic of Avian Flu was brought up. I pointed out to the client that there have been cases of Avian Flu transferring from mammals, such as cows, to humans. These are the first recorded instances of such transfers. Their response was a concerned, “Oh, I wonder if it will be like COVID.” Thankfully, the cases were mild, and the affected workers have recovered. However, this incident highlighted the importance of updating pandemic plans in response to new or emerging threats.

When asked if preparations should be made as a crisis and emergency planner, my immediate response was an emphatic YES! In this case, I provided the client with five key considerations to aid their readiness and preparedness:

1. Review Existing Pandemic Plans

Ensure that your current pandemic plans meet your organization’s needs in the event that Avian Flu spreads from human to human and impacts your business. Engage with internal stakeholders to determine the threshold for action and identify which agencies to contact for incident reporting and guidance. Evaluate the point at which your response team would be activated and assess whether your current structure and risk assessment are adequate.

2. Refresh Stored Supplies

Although we are still in the COVID pandemic, vaccinations and herd immunity have greatly reduced the virus’s impact on our communities. However, organizations have stockpiles of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with expiration dates and service life requirements. Now is a crucial time to review these supplies, discard expired items, and restock with new ones. Prioritize this task to ensure your readiness and preparedness.

3. Update Contact Information

In times of crisis, having updated contact information is essential. A good friend of mine, Steven Kuhr, emphasizes the importance of ‘Rolodex management’—having the right contacts for the right people at the right time. Now is the time to update your Health Department contacts, Local Office of Emergency Management (OEM), federal response support contacts, and others. This ensures that if an incident escalates, you and your team know who to contact for support.

4. Conduct Practice Exercises

Simulate reported cases of Avian Flu in the workplace, potentially the first human-to-human transfer. Use these exercises to review existing plans, educate senior leaders, and ensure you have the right support resources in place to respond effectively. This practice is crucial for identifying gaps and strengthening your response strategy.

5. Update Communication Plans

Effective communication is vital during a crisis. Update your holding statements and Crisis Communications Plan to reflect the potential for an Avian Flu incident in your workplace. Clear and timely communication can make a significant difference in managing the situation and maintaining trust with stakeholders.