AWWA JAW69396

According to public health experts and the medicalcommunity, an influenza pandemic could occur at anytime. The authors conducted a literature review, interviews,and a survey of Ohio water systems to assesshow prepared U.S. water systems were for a pandemicflu outbreak and found varying preparedness levels. Inaddition, the project determined the planning resourcesavailable for water systems and developed a templateplan that systems could use for pandemic preparednessand response.In addition to triggering supply disruptions for power,chemicals, and equipment, a pandemic flu could result inserious staffing problems for water systems, with illnessand family care issues creating staffing shortages up to40%. Cross-training for essential positions, sequesteringcritical employees, and implementing vaccination andother personal protection measures would be essential tomaintaining adequate levels of staffing during a pandemic.The article also discusses best practices and other strategiesto improve utility contingency planning. Includes 32 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 101 - No. 1

Published:

01/01/2009

Number of Pages:

14

File Size:

1 file , 740 KB