FACT: In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 - a designation indicating that a global pandemic is underway.

Countries worldwide are reporting cases of H1N1 Influenza, which the WHO anticipates will persist into the upcoming influenza season. In response to this global pandemic, the American Red Cross has developed new resources to:

• Educate employees about how to prepare for and respond effectively to pandemic flu.
• Aid in business sustainability in the face of pandemic flu.

Offer Flu Preparedness Education in your workplace

The American Red Cross, Broward County and Greater Miami & The Keys Chapters is offering flu preparedness education as part of our workplace training program.  The Red Cross will provide a two-hour educational seminar to employees to help your business and our community prepare for flu outbreaks.

The American Red Cross pandemic flu preparedness program covers the following topics:

• What to expect during a flu pandemic.
• The difference between seasonal flu and pandemic flu.
• How the influenza virus spreads.
• Steps to reduce the spread of flu in the workplace.
• What questions to ask about workplace policies, practices and protocols related to the potential of a flu pandemic.

Businesses can choose to offer the program in two different ways. The first is to contact the American Red Cross directly and schedule a presentation with a presenter from the Chapter.

To schedule a presentation at your workplace, please contact David Dweck at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , call 954.797.3839 or complete our workplace training request form.

The second option is for a business to purchase the Pandemic Flu Leader's Guide and begin offering educational seminars throughout the workplace. The leader's guide provides trainers in the workplace all the information required to provide a robust corporate training program to all employees.  The leader's guide is available for purchase at www.shopstaywell.com.

Stay Healthy

The Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are offering the following tips to ensure you stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective when soap and water are not available.

• Cover you nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs are spread that way.  Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Influenza (flu) is though to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.

• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Consult your health-care provider if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Body aches

• Headache

• Chills

• Extreme tiredness

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

For more information, see the Red Cross Flu Checklist.

Prepare for Potential Flu Outbreak

Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more widespread, thereby limiting potential for exposure to the virus.  If a person does get sick and has extra supplies on hand, they will help reduce the spread of the flu by staying home.

• Store a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities (such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc).  Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.

• Store one gallon of water per person per day in clean plastic containers.  Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.

• Insure that formula for infants and any child's or older person's special nutrition needs are a part of your planning.  Store an extra supply of food for your pets.

• Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members.