Schools Do Their Homework for Pandemic Flu

According to this article, officials from schools, public health departments, police, and emergency management agencies in Benton County, Oregon, United States, met in August 2007 to plan a multi-agency response to a possible pandemic flu outbreak. Members who attended the meeting discussed the importance of having a detailed plan in place before a pandemic or avian flu occurs. Communication, in particular, was identified as a key element of a pandemic flu plan. Officials discussed the importance of keeping the lines of communication between agencies and the public open and effective.

According to the article, there are already some collaborative plans in place to deal with an outbreak of pandemic or avian influenza. In the case of school closures, some schools would use an automated phone system to call the homes of every student. Media outlets and the district website would also be used to inform the public about what to do in the event of an outbreak.