Washington, DC -- The Inclusive Preparedness Center (IPC) announces the availability of two new practical planners for schools and organizations concerned with continuity of operations planning for a pandemic influenza.  Severe pandemics overwhelm health systems, close schools and businesses, stress families and disrupt social routines. Schools and service providers, such as senior centers and home health care providers, need to plan ahead for staff shortages, scarce supplies, and a spike in infected clients or students.

In this economy it is especially important for schools and organizations to stretch their limited resources as far as possible.  These planners highlight eight steps providers can take immediately with little or no cost to the school or organization: management, communication, disruption to services, staffing, staff training & practice, client/student and family preparation, medical needs and planning for pandemic waves.

IPC has developed guides which focus on the different procedures human service providers and agencies, schools, including pre-schools, elementary, secondary and post secondary must take in order to be prepared.  The planners provide practical steps providers, can take immediately to be ready for a flu pandemic -- a self assessment to assist organizations in pinpointing areas in need of additional planning, specific worksheets focused on activities, and materials necessary to complete the planning in those areas.

These planners assist in continuity of operations planning for all strains of pandemic influenzas including, novel A Virus (H1N1), A Virus H5N1 and where necessary seasonable A Virus H1NI, A Virus H3N2and B Virus and possibly new novel strains.  Specific planners are available for schools and human service organizations as workbooks in both printed and electronic formats.  Online versions are in development and will be available over the coming weeks at www.inclusivepreparedness.org.  For more information, please contact the Inclusive Preparedness Center info@inclusivepreparedness.org or 202.338.7158 x201.

For more information, contact: Lisa Ellis Marr Phone: 410-960-2742