says Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness
 
April 30, 2009

The recent announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) increasing the pandemic alert status to the second highest status at level 5 should compel Canadians and their families to review their personal preparedness programs. As part of their programs, all Canadians are encouraged to review and implement safe health practices and continue to monitor information provided by public health officials.
 
The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) is encouraging all Canadians to become informed on the issue of influenza pandemics and to use this alert period to review their personal preparedness programs. Caregivers are encouraged to teach and practice safe health practices with their families.
 
CCEP recommends exercising safe health practices similar to those applied during the regular flu season. Such practices are proven to reduce the potential spread of the influenza virus and many other infectious diseases. They include:

• Wash hands frequently and properly
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow or use a clean tissue; discard the tissue, then wash your hands
• Avoid shaking hands with others
• Stay at home and avoid crowds if you are sick
• Keep common surfaces clean

CCEP reminds Canadians that extensive pandemic preparations have been undertaken by municipal, provincial, and federal health officials over the past few years; however, we as individuals must be prepared as well.  Information on safety precautions has been collected from these agencies and can be easily found at CCEP’s website www.ccep.ca or through Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca. This information is updated on a regular basis.
 
As part of a family’s standard personal emergency preparedness program, CCEP encourages Canadians to ensure that they have a 72-hour emergency supply of products available at all times.  Every home’s emergency supply kit should include such items as bottled water, non-perishable food items, a first-aid kit, sanitation supplies such as soap, paper towels, tissues, pre-moistened towelettes, hand sanitizers and much more.  A complete list is available at www.ccep.ca.
 
CCEP strongly suggests that this pandemic alert should be viewed as an opportunity to review one’s individual and family emergency plans. On the eve of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3-9) and in light of the pandemic concern, CCEP encourages everyone to spend a few minutes on preparedness with your families, including reviewing safety procedures in the home and training family members for the unlikely event of an emergency.
 
“Take the opportunity to prepare and practice your personal preparedness plan,” said Adrian Gordon, CCEP President. “By practicing family and personal preparedness, we will ease the burden on the health authorities.”
 
Information on general preparedness can be found on the GetPrepared web site.
 
The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) is a federally-incorporated non-profit organization whose mission is to foster disaster resilient communities across Canada.

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