Florida: Orange county educating the public

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   County's Pandemic Flu Strategy Mimics Hurricane Plan 

POSTED: 2:46 pm EST April 1, 2006
UPDATED: 3:12 pm EST April 1, 2006

Orange County health officials have been developing a pandemic influenza plan during the last nine months that is built on the area's well-established hurricane emergency plan, Local 6 News has learned. 

Central Florida's international tourist base has prompted Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty to call the state's first avian flu summit. 

"The potential is out there for a very serious situation in Orange County," Crotty said. "It has potential to be a major worldwide story, and we hope obviously that it doesn't come to that." 

Central Florida hospital emergency rooms have already set up a network to track patients who fit the avian flu target profile," Local 6 reporter Mike Holfeld said. 

"This avian influenza in Asia is targeting young, healthy adults, so that changes the way we put our plan together," County EMS Manager Dave Freeman said 

Orange County Health officials have been developing a pandemic influenza plan, according to Holfeld. 

"The blueprint is built on the county's well-established hurricane emergency plan," Holfeld said. 

"We are putting together strategies for alternative sites where we may be able to treat patients or manage patients," Freeman said. 

The avian flu summit is set for April 5 and will include an update from Florida Secretary of Health Rony Francois. 

Beyond the public awareness issues, Local 6 News reported that there will be a special announcement from federal representatives at the meeting. 

Avian flu has already infected more than 175 people in the world, but there have been no cases reported in the United States. 

Pandemic Flu Checklist

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 will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic. 

To plan for a pandemic: 

Store a supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters. 
Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins. 
Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home. 
Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response. 
Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic. 
To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection: 

Teach children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior. 
Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior. 
Teach children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick. 

Flu Planning Checklist

Food, Non-Perishables

Medical, Health Supplies

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment

Protein or fruit bars
Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash

Dry cereal or granola
Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Peanut butter or nuts
Thermometer

Dried fruit
Anti-diarrheal medication

Crackers
Vitamins

Canned juices
Fluids with electrolytes

Bottled water
Cleansing agent/soap

Canned or jarred baby food and formula
Flashlight

Pet food
Batteries

Portable radio 

Manual can opener 

Garbage bags 

Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers 

Source: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ 
http://www.local6.com/firstnews/8408824/detail.html

I did note that there was no mention for how many days you should be preparing for.  At least this is a good start and it is one of the first mainstream media articles that is actively educating the public about preparing for BF.