Keeping our children safe and secure: Pandemic flu and emergency preparedness

Scientists predict that the world is due for an influenza pandemic - a global outbreak from a new strain of flu - that would have a dramatic impact on our nation's communities, schools, and families.

History tells us that flu pandemics are a reality: in the past century alone, three of them caused widespread loss of life and the wholesale disruption of societies small and large. A flu outbreak today similar to the one that occurred in 1918 could potentially kill millions and profoundly affect institutions such as our nation's school systems, which are teeming with children who are expected to have high rates of infection and are more likely than adults to spread the illness.

Although it is difficult to predict when the next pandemic flu might occur or how severe it will be, one thing is certain: educators, parents and community leaders can take steps now to lessen the impact of such an outbreak. Schools can equip themselves to deal with possible school closings, staff and student absences, medical care for children, and the need to maintain the learning environment. Because schools are centers of community life, educators and administrators will need to work with state and local officials to make planning for pandemic flu a priority. And parents can ready their families by developing a family plan, storing food and water, and modeling good hygiene.

The good news is, the U.S. Department of Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies are collaborating with state and local governments to assist districts in developing pandemic flu plans and to ensure that, in the case of an outbreak, our nation's children will be as safe and secure as possible. As part of an ever-growing conversation about pandemic flu, experts from across the federal government are spotlighting exemplary flu and emergency preparedness programs; answering questions about the different strains of flu and how they spread; updating an emerging body of resources for families and schools; and providing user-friendly tips for parents on ensuring the safety, health and security of children.

The October 17th edition of Education News will explore questions such as:

• What are the differences between pandemic, seasonal and bird flu? What is - H5N1 - and why are scientists paying so much attention to it?
• What is known about the pandemic flu and the possibility of a future outbreak? How real is the threat?
• What are state, local and federal agencies doing to prepare for the threat of pandemic flu?
• How can families prepare now for the threat of a pandemic flu? What does a - family plan - look like, and how might it be helpful in the event of other emergencies, such as natural disasters?
• What kinds of questions should parents ask their children's schools about their pandemic flu and emergency preparedness plans?
• In the event of an outbreak, what measures would schools take, and how would families be notified? And if schools shut down, how can families ensure that their children keep learning?
• Where can families go for updated and helpful resources on the pandemic flu?