University
Developing Pandemic Influenza Response
Portland State
University's committee led by Chuck Cooper is developing the
Emergency Management Plan and response to the specific threat
of the pandemic flu. Cooper’s team of contributors have
been meeting regularly for many weeks, accessing drafts of response
plans from the University of Colorado-Boulder, Gallagher Higher
Education Practice Group, conferences on the topic, and peer
organizations in Oregon. The success of any emergency response
is dependent upon all university leaders.
The university plan will be designed to respond to an outbreak
of a contagious disease of significant enough magnitude to disrupt
campus operations. The most likely scenario is that the disease
would be a regional or world-wide (pandemic) event, encompassing
all private citizens, businesses, and our campus operations. There
may be quarantine orders, direct facility closures, and/or suspension
of classes, a 40 percent absenteeism rate of employees and students,
and people in chaos.
Much has been
learned from events such as Katrina, 9/11, earthquake events
throughout the world, and even Oregon’s 1996 flooding.
The primary learning is that being prepared improves our ability
to respond effectively.
The following
list highlights some expectations that have been identified
for leaders of the univeristy:
- Ensure
employees have up-to-date employee records, including personal
address and telephone numbers and emergency contact information.
- Identify
the “essential” jobs or functions within your department.
Try to visualize the key positions that you need to operate
your department if 40 per cent of your staff are ill or caring
for ill family members.
- Determine
if any of your functions can be completed via a telework method.
PSU telecommute policies are being reviewed. In the meantime,
begin to “test the system” by asking employees
in essential job duties to work at home one or two days. Identify
problems and seek solutions before a disaster occurs.
- Our Human
Resources Department is in the process of reviewing leave and
benefit policies to update them and recommend changes to support
the plan and provide reasonable response to an event that affects
a large portion of the workforce.
- Our Facilities
Department is reviewing student housing alternatives and continuation
of services to residential students.
For more information,
go to PSU, Environmental Health and Safety, Pandemic
Flu Planning, or contact Chuck Cooper at extension 54312. |