Avian Flu Contingency Planning

[endplay]

I am currently tasked with devising a Business Continuity Plan in the event of an Avian flu pandemic. I have a workforce mix of military and civil service. Opening topics are; Could I force the civil servants to attend? Would we mil be detached to control any civil unrest? Fuel shortages, stockpiling etc. Are any other posters facing a similar problem?
As part of the national/international communications org it is highly probable that the service I provide will be a component of any emergency response from HMG. (Working at home is not an option)
As an aside, the Spanish flu of 1918 predominantly struck fit individuals between 18-35 yrs of age so the sagacious flow of advice from Pprune should continue unabated.
Serious, and not so, counsel welcomed.

[RayDarr]

Suggest you start by watching some training video's. "Survivors" from 1970's, "Eleventh Hour" current and a couple of those disaster movies would be a good start.
Also watch Dads Army to get correct dialect for Pvt Frazer. then get working group to repeat " Were all doomed!!!"
That should do it.

[Prat At The Back]

One of the topics to discuss is obviously "What are we going to eat for breakfast - Bacon and ?". I mean noone can go to work of an empty stomach and us brits do love a hearty breakfast

[higthepig]

Endplay,

Check yur PM's.

Cheers

[engineer(retard)]

Ask the boys in Cyprus, from the radio news today they've already kicked theirs off.

regards

retard

[alf5071h]

Extract from New Scientist 7 Jan 2006

PREPARE IN ADVANCE:
The antiviral question
If you do decide to get antivirals, beware fakes. Don't order drugs on the internet unless it is from a reputable pharmacy in a well-regulated country. You will need two courses per person, as standard doses might not be enough. And don't be taken in by any of the companies peddling quack remedies.
Ask your doctor for a pneumococcus vaccination
This vaccine protects you from a kind of bacterium that can cause pneumonia when it infects lungs damaged by the flu virus. The protection lasts for five years. You could also stock up on antibiotics for treating other kinds of bacterial pneumonia. Half the victims of 1918 died of such secondary infections. Ask your doctor which antibiotics work against the most common infections in your area.
Consider statins
A Dutch study of several thousand people aged 60 or more found there was no surge in deaths during the flu season among those on statins.
Become indispensable
Some countries are creating lists of "priority" people who will be the first to get drugs, or a vaccine if one is available. Now might be a good time to realise those childhood dreams of becoming a nurse, a firefighter or head of state.
Stock up emergency supplies
You will need emergency supplies of food, water and fuel. Each person needs 2 to 3 litres of water a day just for drinking, more for keeping clean.
A healthy lifestyle will increase your chances of surviving pandemic flu. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, exercise and get enough sleep.
Get rich quick
The wealthy will fare better in a pandemic than the poor.

IF A FLU PANDEMIC STARTS:
Wash your hands - often
Don't kiss or shake hands. If you have to touch public surfaces, wash thoroughly afterwards.
Masks will do little to protect you from inhaling any airborne viruses unless they fit snugly and meet US standard N-95 or the equivalent - and such masks make it very hard to breathe.
Avoid people if you can
Staying away from other people will reduce your chances of getting it. Don't risk infecting others. Remain in bed for a week or two after recovery to avoid post-flu complications.
Don't flee the city
Unless you are lucky enough to have an isolated, self-sufficient country house, fleeing the city will not help. A mass movement of people will carry the virus with it, and you will be far worse off if you end up in a crowded shelter