Emergency preparedness and business continuity planning to prevent and manage H1N1 virus

Oct 6 2009

This fall the CDC estimates that upwards of 50 percent of Americans could come down with the H1N1 virus, killing as many as 1.2 million people. Additionally, there are estimates that many companies will experience between 30-50 percent absenteeism due to employee illness. Yet a recent online survey of nearly 100 top-executives at private equity, hedge funds and other financial services companies, revealed that only ten percent have any real plans in place to deal with the impact of H1N1 on their businesses.

In response to this potential crisis Insite Security (www.insitesecurity.com) has partnered with WorldClinic (www.worldclinic.com) to offer emergency preparedness and business continuity planning in the prevention and management of this new breed of flu.

In a webinar conducted for clients, Christopher Falkenberg, founder and president of Insite Security as well as Daniel Carlin, MD, CEO, WorldClinic addressed topics including: what it is that makes this strain of flu different, how to prevent it, how to treat it, and how to continue operating your business when it hits.

"People must realize that swine flu is serious, and the impact this flu can have on a company's ability to keep functioning cannot be underestimated. Any corporation needs to prepare for massive absenteeism that could cause irreparable damage to business operations," said Mr. Falkenberg. "While H1N1 moderately lethal, it is highly infectious. With the proper plans in place ahead of the flu season, companies can limit the spread of the virus."

"This is an illness where the young and healthy get the sickest," said Dr. Carlin. "The best advice to take action against swine flu is to wash hands and face, especially around the nose and mouth, several times a day, carry your own pen, pay with credit cards to avoid handling money, and avoid crowds and closed spaces."

Insite Security and WorldClinic jointly offer a product called P.A.C.T. - Preparedness, Avoidance, Communications and Training. It is the first service that combines the comprehensive disciplines of emergency medicine with physical security and risk management.