INTRODUCTION:
PREPARING
FOR A PANDEMIC
 [The
New Canaan Pandemic Preparedness Coordinating Committee has prepared
a "Flu Flyer" outlining twelve key steps surrounding
becoming better prepared for a possible pandemic as well
as other emergencies. The flyer may be obtained from the
American Red Cross, New Canaan Chapter, or click
here for a printable
version. Please call 966-1663 for further
information.]
Preparing for pandemics
 The
Town of New Canaan, Pandemic Preparedness Coordinating
Committee, consistent with guidelines prepared by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, has prepared the
Flu Flyer to emphasize key preparation steps in anticipation
of possible pandemic conditions. While there is no
certainty about
the arrival, recurrence, and severity of a pandemic, these
steps are also useful for any emergency situation such
as hurricanes and blizzards, as well as for a variety
of man-made disasters.
Should
a pandemic or another emergency condition occur, it is
important that we do not underestimate the potential
for
power outages, damage, and disruption to individuals, families,
and the community. Therefore, we strongly urge you keep
abreast of conditions, through media sources and town
resources, and
prepare yourself and your family, referring to the key
categories and respective website links, as noted.
What is pandemic flu?  First,
a pandemic is a “new,” wide-spread
disease, affecting humans, taking effect quickly, causing
high levels
of sickness and death.
While “influenza” viruses, in contrast to many
other kinds of viruses, have been around us for ages, from
time to time “strains” of these viruses evolve
to become particularly troubling to people. We can expect
that in years to come, influenza virus pandemics will arrive
on
a recurring basis. The so-called “seasonal” influenza
viruses continue to be troubling, yet humans have been
able to tolerate them even though they often cause illness
and death.
Past pandemic flu episodes  While there have been many pandemic disease episodes over
the ages, there have been three notable "influenza" events
in more recent times, in 1918, 1957, and 1968. In contrast
to the so-called "seasonal" flu, the pandemics in
1957 (the "Asian Flu") and 1968 (the "Hong Kong
Flu") caused a significant increase in flu-related sickness
and death. However, the event in 1918, known as the "Spanish
Flu," was a very virulent strain causing a very high rate
of sickness and a very high mortality rate. The current “bird flu” or “avian flu,” for
the lack of a better name, also known as the H5N1 sub-type
virus, has many characteristics similar to those of the Spanish
Flu virus. Should the current H5N1 outbreaks evolve into a
pandemic, similar in scope to the Spanish Flu, there will be
very material social and economic impact, worldwide. Therefore,
it behooves governments, municipalities, businesses, families,
and individuals to prepare accordingly. Resources
 There
are many resources to help better understand the behaviors
of pandemic diseases. The U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) along with the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC)
has made available many checklists and fact sheets. HHS
has a dedicated website, www.pandemicflu.gov,
that keeps current on all aspects of flu conditions, planning,
and preparedness. The Town of New Canaan, and our Pandemic
Preparedness Coordinating Committee (Flu Committee),
will keep you abreast of conditions as they
may affect
New Canaan and the region. Please visit this site from
time to time for updates and useful information to help
you plan, prepare, and manage conditions on an ongoing
basis. We
suggest you affix the Flu Flyer to the
inside of a kitchen cabinet or other convenient location,
for easy
reference.
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