The collaboration of faith-based and community organizations with public health agencies will be essential in protecting the public's health and safety if and when a pandemic occurs. Many of the points suggested can help to improve your organization's ability to protect your community during emergencies.
Plan
Assign key staff with the authority to develop, maintain and act during a pandemic flu
Determine the potential impact of a pandemic on your organization's usual activities and services
Identify and train essential staff needed to carry on your organization's work during a pandemic flu
Determine the potential impact of a pandemic on resources your organization depends on (e.g., supplies, travel, etc.)
Outline the organizational structure in the event staff are absent due to illness and identify key contacts with multiple back-ups
Test and practice your response plans and revise as needed
Identify persons with special needs and include their needs in your response and preparedness plan
Communicate
Distribute materials with basic information about pandemic flu from Oakland County Health Division
When appropriate, include basic information about pandemic flu in public meetings
Share information about your pandemic plan with staff, members, and those in the community you serve
Develop materials your organization may need such as websites, hotlines, flyers, local newspaper announcements, etc.
Advise staff, members and those in the community you serve to follow the instructions provided by Oakland County Health Division and state health departments
Take into consideration cultures, languages and reading levels in your community when creating materials
Policies
Establish policies for staff leave for personal illness or care of sick family members during a pandemic
Set up policies for flexible work hours and working from home
Evaluate your organization's usual activities and services to identify those that may facilitate the spread of a virus from person to person
Set up procedures for activating your organization's response plan when an flu pandemic is declared
Allocate Resources
Provide supplies needed to promote good personal hygiene (tissue, hand sanitizer, etc.)
Prioritize services that are most needed during an emergency
Coordinate With other Organizations
Work together with other community organizations in your local area to help you prepare for pandemic flu
Coordinate with the Oakland County Health Division, emergency responders and health care facilities to improve preparedness and response
