The Pantego Police Department and Fire Department sometimes have timely messages for our residents. These messages can be read here on the Town website. In order to see two alerts that were posted this week, click on the "ALERT Notices" link just to the left.
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The next Community Emergency Response Team training class will be held Oct 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, and 21. Classes will be held at the Arlington Fire Training Center. Each class is from 6:00 – 9:00 pm on Tuesday evenings with the exception of November 21st which is an all day training from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
As a graduated member of the team you can be called upon to assist emergency responders with major incidents, disasters, or special community events.
If you are interested in becoming a valuable member of this response team please contact Pantego Fire Chief Tom Griffith at 817-548-5875 or you can sign-up directly at the Arlington CERT website located at,
http://www.arlingtontx-cert.org
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H1N1 Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses Announced
Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0500
Secretary Napolitano Announces H1N1 Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses
Release Date: September 14, 2009
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today joined Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen Mills and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza Division Deputy Director Daniel Jernigan to announce a preparedness guide to assist small businesses in planning for the H1N1 flu.
"Small businesses play an essential role in our national effort to prepare for all disasters and emergencies—including the H1N1 flu," said Secretary Napolitano. "This guide will help America’s small businesses maintain continuity of operations and resiliency as the fall flu season approaches."
"Small Business owners should take the time to create a plan, talk with their employees and make sure they are prepared for flu season," added Administrator Mills. "For countless small businesses, having even one or two employees out for a few days has the potential to negatively impact operations and their bottom line. A thoughtful plan will help keep employees and their families healthy, as well as protect small businesses and local economies."
Outbreaks of H1N1 flu are occurring now across the country and will likely coincide with the return of seasonal flu this fall and winter. The preparedness guide offers small business employers tools and information to help them plan for and respond flexibly to varying levels of severity of an H1N1 outbreak—which may lead to increased absenteeism, and, if the outbreak becomes more severe, may include restricted service capabilities and supply chain disruptions. Additional preparations may be necessary if a more serious outbreak evolves during the fall and winter.
Employers are encouraged to put strategies in place now to protect their employees and their businesses in advance of the fall flu season. Included in the preparedness guide are tips on how to write a continuity of operations plan, steps for keeping employees healthy, frequently asked questions about the 2009 H1N1 flu and a list of additional resources that employers can access online.
For more information and to view the preparedness guide, visit www.flu.gov.
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SWINE FLU PRECAUTIONS
Many of you have concerns about the current swine flu outbreak in our area. as the Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for Pantego I have been in continuous contact with local County and State health and Emergency Management coordinators.
At this point the public is advised to take precautions regarding possible exposure. Those Precautions include:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. 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 that way.
*Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Despite the closing of some special events involving mass gatherings, at this point the State has not provided any official guidance on the cancelling of those gatherings. Everyone should use their own judgement regarding attending any mass gatherings that they are planning to attend.
The Town of Pantego is staying abreast of the latest information regarding the current outbreak of Swine Influenza and will provide any pertinent information to the public via this website as we receive it.
Thomas Griffith, Fire Chief/EMC
Stop the Spread of Flu!! English Spanish
For More Information contact:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention click here
The Texas Department of State Health Services click here
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