Encouraging Families to Plan for a Pandemic Sustaining Families in a Pandemic Break-Out Session Surviving the Pandemic Forum October 12, 2006 Alliant Energy Center, Exibition Hall Madison, WI

Presenter: J. McLellan Population Protection Planner Dane County Emergency Management 608 /

How can organizations help their employees sustain their families in a pandemic?

Katrina Lesson Dedicated employees with strong conviction to duty left their posts b/c the need for family well-being out- weighed the value of their employment How do employers reduce the possibility of employees facing this decision ?

This presentation will cover: I. Employer actions in the work place II. Steps to producing a plan III. Planning elements

I. Steps employers can take to assist employees: 1. Clarify known policies and procedures to employees 2. Address the “unknown” 3. Define expectations of employees 4. Support employee preparations

1. Clarify known factors Organization policies regarding : Health care coverage Sick leave Work from home policies Etc. Update / Create policies to be applicable in a pandemic Educate employees on your organization’s pandemic plan

2. Address unknown factors “How do I protect myself and my family ?” “What do I do if one of my family members becomes ill ?” “Where can I turn for help ?” “How will a pandemic affect MY workplace?” “What should a pandemic mean to me ?”

3. Define Employer Expectations Define your organization’s core functions Spell out your intent to support these core functions through Policies Communications Responsibilities Expected abilities Ensure employees understand their relation to organization core functions

4. Support employee preparations Educate – Provide locations for accurate, current pandemic info Encourage employee networks to support planning and deliver accurate information Encourage family / home pandemic planning efforts !!!

STAY CURRENT!! Pandemics are one of few hazards that strike human capital. Planning for pandemics will require continuous, although not difficult, monitoring and updating of plans. Employee planning efforts can be useful beyond a pandemic

II. Steps to produce a plan 1. Capability Assessment 2. Vulnerability Assessment 3. Define what needs / vulnerabilities can be addressed through existing capabilities 4. Define areas where planning and mitigation efforts can reduce needs / vulnerabilities 5. Produce a plan to direct actions for families to meet their needs 6. TEST THE PLAN!!!

1. Capability Assessment Identify core family needs What do families need to survive, regardless of a pandemic ? Ex. - Health maintenance, family contact, school, etc. What family needs can be met during a pandemic with little or no change to current routine ? Shopping patterns, increase personal medication inventory, etc. What resources are currently available to meet family needs ? Emergency Kit, medications, canned goods, contact information, etc.

2. Vulnerability Assessment How will a pandemic affect what you need and what you do ? What resources will need to be acquired during a pandemic ? Where are the vulnerabilities of these needs / core functions in a pandemic ? Grocery stores, health maintenance supplies, public interaction situations, communication Use solid, basic assumptions to paint situation

3. Mitigation How can I reduce these vulnerabilities ? What preventive steps can I take ?

4. Planning Action Steps What you will do Applying preventive measures

5. Produce a family plan Goal(s) Objectives Procedures Resources

6. TEST THE PLAN !!!

III. Elements of a plan: Goal(s) Objectives Procedures Resources

Goals Goals define the Purpose Function Overall outcome “This plan shall provide guidance for the McLellan family to operate and survive during a pandemic.”

Objectives Objectives define where efforts should be directed to achieve the goal(s) Examples: Reduce public exposure to all family members Conserving resources Ensuring the supply of needed / required resources in times of shortage or other difficult conditions

Objectives (cont.) Objectives should be SMART!! Specific – To whom are the objectives directed ? Measurable – What type of actions should be taken to fulfill the objective ? Attainable – Can they be fulfilled ? How will you know ? Realistic – How much must be accomplished to fulfill the objective ? Achievement!! Timely – How large / small a time frame is available to accomplish the objective ?

Procedures These illustrate benchmarks and guidelines for actions Examples – 1. No more than weekly trips to the grocery store 2. Shop during off peak hours 3. Participate in communal / neighborhood shopping 4. Maintaining a two week supply of food and medications

Resources List currently available resources List resources that can/should be stockpiled before a pandemic strikes List resources that will need to be acquired during a pandemic

Other advice ? Make a friend before you need a friend!! Your neighbors can be your first / last / best line of OFFENSE!!

Questions ? J. McLellan Population Protection Planner Dane County Emergency Management 608 /