Sept. 23, 2009

Secretary Sebelius receives flu shot from Alexandria MRC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley received their flu shots during an annual exercise conducted by the Alexandria Health Department and the Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps. In two hours, MRC volunteers and health department staff administered 585 seasonal flu vaccinations to school staff, first responders, city officials, community members, volunteers and public health officials. The school-based, mass-vaccination exercise was held on the first National Day of Remembrance Service on Sept. 11.

Secretary Sebelius took the opportunity to stress the importance of getting a flu vaccination, to recognize the role that MRC volunteers play in health crises and to urge citizens to become MRC volunteers. Her call to action is available at http://flu.gov/psa/.

School-located vaccination planning materials and templates are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/slv/.

H1N1 guidance for local governments
VDEM and the Virginia Department of Health are urging local governments to review emergency operations plans to ensure they include measures for dealing with the potential impacts of the H1N1 virus this flu season. In addition, all government employees should get their seasonal flu shot now and the H1N1 vaccine when it is ready later this fall. Although initial H1N1 vaccinations will be targeted to specific groups, VDH expects to have enough vaccinations for all wishing to receive one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has vaccination guidance for local governments at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/statelocal/.

Also, the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services, Virginia Department of Fire Programs and VDEM recommend following the CDC Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use to Reduce Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission (available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm). The recommendation states that:

• Respiratory protection is recommended in the occupational healthcare setting.
• The use of an N95 mask should be done in conjunction with a fit testing program that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines.

The Office of EMS is working to procure fit testing kits for agencies and jurisdictions that do not currently have
fit testing capabilities. The kits and certified fit testers will be placed at the 11 EMS Regional Council Offices and seven Fire Program Area Offices.

More information about H1N1 in Virginia and a new page for healthcare providers, called “Public Health Inquiry Center: Frequently Asked Questions -- Novel H1N1 Flu,” are available at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/.

Virginia receives more than $7 million in anti-terrorism grants
Nine Virginia localities will share more than $7 million in federal grants to fund bomb squad equipment and training to improve local capabilities in deterring and responding to terrorist and criminal acts.

The recipient localities each maintain a regional bomb squad certified by the FBI:

These grants come from DHS’ State Homeland Security Program. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services will administer the grants. For more information, visit www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants.

VDEM performs survey of localities
VDEM is asking local emergency responders to complete a 34-question online survey to assess the performance of selected agency divisions. The survey, open through Oct. 15, is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4ZOTDFD765gPm6VnS1lBeQ_3d_3d.

Chesterfield campaigns for personal preparedness with “Are You Ready?”
The Chesterfield Health District Medical Reserve Corps and the Chesterfield Community Emergency Response Team are conducting a community preparedness campaign called “Are You Ready?” The campaign will include an “Each One Reach One” recruiting effort, in which more than 300 volunteers will work to recruit at least one new member during the campaign; distributing preparedness information to members electronically; and recognizing outstanding volunteers and families who achieve various levels of preparedness.

In addition, MRC and CERT volunteers, along with local public safety officials, will offer a series of classes to teach personal preparedness. FEMA “Are You Ready?” classes on Saturdays will teach basic preparedness, including the three steps to preparedness: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed. Weekday evening classes will cover more in depth topics, such as emergency planning for seniors and caregivers, special needs, and family preparedness. Classes are also available for residents who would like to volunteer their time as a member of the Chesterfield MRC.

A schedule of classes and more information about the campaign are available at http://www.chesterfield.gov/smartdata.aspx?id=11816.

Training...

Emergency Planning for Congregate Care Facilities
An additional class, Oct. 27 at the Fairfax County Human Services Training Center in Chantilly, Va., has been added to the schedule of workshops.
Representatives from assisted living, adult residential, child daycare, children’s residential and correctional facilities and other group care environments are invited to participate in a series of emergency planning workshops.
Topics will include:

• Discussion of common communicable disease threats (influenza, norovirus, etc.) in congregate care settings and methods of prevention



• The planning process: what to include in the plan, identifying threats and examining continuity of operations during a crisis



• Effective communications with clients, staff and families during a time of crisis



• A hands-on exercise using a planning template to write an emergency response plan

Sessions, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., are scheduled across the state. Online registration and details are available at https://va.train.org, course ID# 1018941. Contact Eileen Tarr at (804) 897-6500, ext. 6529 or eileen.tarr@vdem.virginia.gov with questions. The Virginia departments of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Corrections, Emergency Management, Health, and Social Services, and the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy are sponsoring the workshops.

EM Update is the best way to communicate best practices and to get a heads up on issues that might affect you. Articles include case studies, cost/resource-saving local programs, examples of partnerships and regional cooperation and recognition of emergency managers who receive awards and honors in the field.

Please don't hesitate to contact the editor whenever you have a project that might benefit localities or want to highlight an important issue concerning Virginia's emergency response community. Contact Jolie Shank at (804) 897-6510 or by e-mail at pio@vdem.virginia.gov.

Produced by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236