1.)They disrupt the normal lives of an affected population 2.)The infrastructure may be totally disrupted requiring extensive time and resources to reestablish normal functionality 3.)Recovery efforts may last years at a cost that most local governments cannot afford on their own 4.)They tax the resources of government at all levels under a common preparedness philosophy that emergency events of “LOW PROBABILITY/HIGH IMPACT” are sometimes ignored 5.)When such events occur and the emergency preparedness system in place is incapable of providing immediate relief, the governmental authorities are often blamed. 1.)They disrupt the normal lives of an affected population 2.)The infrastructure may be totally disrupted requiring extensive time and resources to reestablish normal functionality 3.)Recovery efforts may last years at a cost that most local governments cannot afford on their own 4.)They tax the resources of government at all levels under a common preparedness philosophy that emergency events of “LOW PROBABILITY/HIGH IMPACT” are sometimes ignored 5.)When such events occur and the emergency preparedness system in place is incapable of providing immediate relief, the governmental authorities are often blamed.

An avian influenza pandemic may be a crises looming. Planning for such an event is critical. An avian influenza pandemic presents a different set of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery concerns to governments nationally and internationally.

On the local front, New Jersey is no exception This is clearly one of the priorities with our Governor and senior cabinet members Colonel Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police as well as the Director to the Office of Emergency Management, has statutory authority for response and recovery operations to disasters that go beyond local control. He also has the responsibility to develop, coordinate, and maintain workable emergency preparedness plans to insure the effective utilization of resources necessary to insure the well being of New Jersey citizens.

Education/Training of Avian Influenza Awareness Planning (understanding risk factors) Preparedness (roles and responsibilities, equipment, supplies) Collaboration and Coordination Detection/Early Intervention/Prevention Continuity of Operations (COOP) & Continuity of Government (COG) Planning Consequence Management (mass care/social unrest/mental health, etc.) Exercise Education/Training of Avian Influenza Awareness Planning (understanding risk factors) Preparedness (roles and responsibilities, equipment, supplies) Collaboration and Coordination Detection/Early Intervention/Prevention Continuity of Operations (COOP) & Continuity of Government (COG) Planning Consequence Management (mass care/social unrest/mental health, etc.) Exercise