Pandemic Preparedness

Water & Wastewater Utilitiesby Kim Dyches

Expectations From The Feds

No Response

Nothing

Haven't been told

Unaware

Vaccines & Antivirals

What Is Being Done?

Not Prepared

Not Very Prepared

Somewhat Prepared

Facts

Avian H5N1 virus represents a significant threat to human health.

Everyone is at risk – it can be slowed but not stopped

More than 50% of infected humans have died

So far no sustained human to human transmission

The virus continues to evolve No vaccination Vaccine can’t be developed until

virus emerges and is identified.

1918 Pandemic

Killed 20 to 40 million worldwide

Most deadly for people ages 20 to 40

28% of all Americans were infected

Approx. 675,000 died

Potential Impact

10 to 35% potential absenteeism Government services will suffer

disproportional to private industry Possible border closures and travel

restrictions Manufactory and Service industry

most impacted Health care providers drastically

affected World economy could grind to a halt

Essential Services Disruption

Chemical Delivery Essential Products Packages

Supply Chain Challenges There will be shortages Borders could close Impact of reduced staff Employees will be

reluctant to travel Surges for certain

products while others will dry up

Repair parts will play a significant role

Workforce Challenges

Normal operations could spread virus

Supply Shortages High absenteeism- sick or

fear of getting sick Impact on infrastructure Safety/Security- Outsiders,

Infected Employees, Quarantine

Potential Workforce Problems

Absenteeism could be high

Pandemic repercussions – fear, panic, stress, psychological trauma

Community reliance on government/company

Virus would spread through the workplace

Supply Chain Planning

Ensure adequate maintenance Repair parts & lead times may

become problematic Assess supply chain risks and your

suppliers’ preparedness Have back-up sources for critical

domestic/imported materials and supplies

Look into partnerships

Supply Chain Planning

Transportation Services Develop a strategy to sustain normal

business operations Incorporate a waste management

strategy Plan for alternate transportation

sources Plan for providing transportation or

in-house accommodations for critical workers.

Workforce Planning

Handling of Workforce Continuity of Operations

for water & wastewater systems

Handling Customers Community/Industry/ Gov. Relations

Workforce PlanningSystematic personal preparedness program Increase knowledge of virus Personal plan development

Breadwinner program Prevention techniques Personal/family kits

Incorporate system of incentives - Pay incentives

- Bunker Employees at work place

- Special catered meals

Workforce PlanningPolicy Development Revise paid leave policies Flexible work hours Virtual office protocols/policies Overtime and incentive

policies Dealing with visibly ill people

in the workplace Review medical insurance

policies

Change in System Operation

Develop virtual offices to maintain critical services

Identify, collect, maintain and protect all essential knowledge of system operations

Decrease number of people at facility at one time- flex schedules/telecommuting

Employee Quarantine

Workforce Redundancy Effective succession

planning Retired Employees as a

resource

Cross Train Employees If possible distribute

vital functions to other areas

MOU’s with other water agencies

Hygiene Education

Hand washing Cover mouth and nose

when coughing or sneezing (use of masks)

Sterilize work stations Encourage personnel

preparedness program

Hygiene Practices Restrict physical contact such

as handshakes, hugs, etc. Limit use of closed meeting

rooms and large meetings. Maintain distance from others

(5 Ft is recommended). If you are running a fever do not

come to work. If family members distance

yourself

Hygiene Practices

Use caution around co-workers.

Restrict lunchrooms- possibly deliver lunches

Health Monitoring Stations Don’t use other employees

computers or phones Disinfect phones,

computers, or other equipment touched by others

Hygiene Supply Planning

Antiviral medications N95 masks Antiviral hand wash Latex gloves Cash in small bills Food/water

Develop Human Impact Program

Communication Protocols & policies

Accounting for staff Family support

systems Counseling Outreach Memorials

Safety & Security

Safety/Security Health monitor

stations Enforce policies on

infected employees staying home

Increased security measures

Business Technologies

Broadband/dial-in access capability to computers

Teleconferencing and Video conferencing instead of face to face

Protect sensitive information

Employee access with cell phones

Satellite phones Expand online transaction

and self-service options for customers and partners.

COMMUNICATIONS

Develop preplanned Crisis Communications statements for external use when needed.

Have internal contingency statements prepared for delivery to its workforce.

Note: These two statements must be consistent in order to maintain credibility

Establish communications and relationships now with stake holders

Alternate communications channels such as a web site

COMMUNICATIONS

Establish communication networks with Customers/clients Suppliers Industry

partners/competitors Government Community organizations

A pandemic will affect all of us

Response must be systemic

Exercise Your Response Plan

Tabletop exercises Simulations of

actual events

Planning Approach

• Provide realistic scenario• Measure performance• Train primary and back-up personnel

• Validate the plan• Identify gaps • Report results • Identify vulnerabilities• Review critical business functions

• Update documentation• Take corrective action• Leverage technology and tools

Test like you recover and recover like you test.

Pandemic Plan

• Involve Business Units• Assign roles and responsibilities• Define objectives• Identify resource requirements

Improve

Analyze Test

Plan

Questions?

Kim Dyches Phone: 801-536-4202 E-mail: kdyches@utah.gov Crisis Management International Phone: 404.841.3400 Website: www.thompsoninteractive.com