Disability Preparedness Resource Center

Information on the H1N1 Flu Outbreak:
Given the current situation regarding the H1N1 Flu outbreak, we have compiled for your information a few resources to which you can refer if you have questions or are seeking updated information regarding the H1N1 virus. We encourage you to share this information with your partners and stakeholders.

Remember to follow these actions suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause influenza. Take these steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Additionally, below are a few links to valuable resources to keep you up to date on H1N1 Flu:

• The CDC page containing the latest information about H1N1 Flu, including activities currently underway to deal with the situation, daily updates on affected areas and numbers of cases, and precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. You may also contact the CDC at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) English/Spanish TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours/Every Day – cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
• An HHS report, Home Health Care During an Influenza Pandemic: Issues and Resources, based on the findings of an expert panel meeting, including representatives of home health care, emergency and disaster planning, professional organizations and federal and state government agencies. http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/homehealth.html.
• Guidance on pandemic influenza planning for special needs populations, At-Risk Populations and Pandemic Influenza: Planning Guidance for State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Health Departments, can be found at: http://www.astho.org/Programs/Infectious-Disease/At-Risk-Populations/At-Risk-Pop-and-Pandemic-Influenza-Planning-Guidance/.

This disability preparedness web site provides practical information on how people with and without disabilities can prepare for an emergency. It also provides information for family members of, and service providers to, people with disabilities. In addition, this site includes information for emergency planners and first responders to help them to better prepare for serving persons with disabilities. Get started by learning what is Emergency Preparedness?

Personal Preparedness Planning
Access information and guidance in developing your plan of action if faced with an emergency or disaster.

Emergency Managers, Responders, Service & Care Providers
Access resources for emergency managers, responders and service and care providers regarding their role in ensuring the safety and security of people with disabilities.

Get Involved in Your Community
Learn how you can best get involved in your community and a tap into guidance regarding community outreach and getting key players involved in disability preparedness efforts at the community level.

Ready.gov
Provides an overview on emergency preparedness for individuals and businesses.