http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/ News about Emergency Preparedness from Emergency Preparedness en-us Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:42:52 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4812/Check-out-our-new-Facebook-site http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4812/Check-out-our-new-Facebook-site Emergency Management and Continuity has a new Facebook site to add to our toolbox of ways to get preparedness and response information to you.  "Like" our page to receive updates about current departmental activities, emergency situation updates, and valuable preparedness information.  If you are a student, faculty or staff member, parent, or interested person, we welcome you!  Click here to join us. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4768/Information-for-Pregnant-Women--Specific-Emergencies- http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4768/Information-for-Pregnant-Women--Specific-Emergencies- Emergencies can be a scary and stressful time, especially for pregnant women or women with infants or children. Though you may feel it is impossible to be ready for unexpected events, being prepared can help you avoid stress and put you in a better position to handle emergencies. If you are pregnant or someone with infants or young children, find out how to plan for an emergency or disaster. This fact sheet will help you prepare for emergency birth, prepare for an emergency or disaster, evacuate, stay in a shelter or place other than your home, be prepared during and just after a disaster, and recover after a disaster. For more CDC information on this topic, click here.   Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4744/Business-SPEA-being-evacuated http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4744/Business-SPEA-being-evacuated The Business SPEA building on the IUPUI campus is being evacuated due to elevated levels of a chemical in the building.  Follow emergency responders' directions.  More information will be posted here as it becomes available. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4742/Its-Hot-Outside http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4742/Its-Hot-Outside Take action to protect yourself and others during the summer heat!  The American Red Cross has some good information on protecting yourself and others during a heat wave:  http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/HeatWave.pdf . Tips for those working outside (and their supervisors) may be found on the IUPUI Environmental Health and Safety website here.  The signs and symptoms of Heat Rash, Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke are important to know during the hot summer months, or for anyone working or playing, or even just being in an unusually warm situation. Tomorrow (July 7, 2010) has been declared a KNOZONE Action Day, because the air quality forecast indicates that air pollution levels may be high tomorrow. The region's air quality may become unhealthy for individuals who are sensitive to air pollutants, including: •Children •Senior citizens •People with breathing-related illnesses, such as asthma •Those who are active outdoors The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability encourages sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors on Knozone Air Quality Action Days.  People who have any concerns about how air pollution affects their health should seek the advice of a physician.     Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4729/IUPUI-Emergency-Preparedness-is-now-IU-Emergency-Management-and-Continuity-- http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4729/IUPUI-Emergency-Preparedness-is-now-IU-Emergency-Management-and-Continuity-- IU has created a new system-wide structure that is now one of the most comprehensive and integrated emergency management and business continuity organizations nationwide! Under the new University Director there will be three Directors - for IUPUI, IUB, and the Regional campuses.  Check it out: http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/14810.html Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4724/Flooding--How-to-Deal-with-It http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4724/Flooding--How-to-Deal-with-It   With all of the rain in the past week, flooding is becoming a primary concern for Indiana. In the next 2-5 days, rivers are expected to reach levels not seen since June 2008 after the major flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ike. In addition to the longer-term flooding, flash flooding can (and currently is) happening all around Indiana, so here are some tips to keep you safe.   Flood Watch: Conditions to have a flood in your area are favorable. Flood Warning: A flood is occurring or is likely to occur soon. During flooding: Get to higher ground. Evacuate your house if flooding is possible. Know your town and make sure you know alternate escape routes in case one is blocked. Take pets with you if you evacuate. However, many shelters usually do NOT allow pets inside due to sanitary conditions so plan accordingly. Do NOT try and drive through water. As little as 2 feet can cause most cars to float, and as little as a few inches of moving water can wash most cars away with the current. Don't try and drive through rushing water over a roadway, it is very dangerous and can easily sweep your car away. Do NOT try to cross moving water on foot. As little as a few inches can knock you off your feet. Watch TV or listen to the radio to find out what actions to take next. Some great resources can be found on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's website: http://www.in.gov/dhs/2791.htm.   Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4542/Dont-Let-Influenza-Spoil-Your-Plans-for-Spring-Break http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4542/Dont-Let-Influenza-Spoil-Your-Plans-for-Spring-Break In anticipation of next week's Spring Break, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) sent a letter to colleges and universities, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to take precautions against the flu. Excerpt from Letter: Recently, several colleges and universities have reported increased influenza activity on their campuses. Flu activity is difficult to predict, but experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expect that flu activity - caused by 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses - will continue for weeks, and parts of the world may even see big outbreaks. This season the 2009 H1N1 virus has hit young adults especially hard in terms of illness, as most young people do not have immunity to the virus. For these reasons, the CDC and the American College Health Association (ACHA) continue to encourage all students, faculty and staff at universities and colleges to protect themselves against 2009 H1N1 by getting vaccinated. In addition to getting vaccinated, you can also take the following steps to help protect you from getting or spreading the flu and other illnesses while you're on break: Talk to your health care provider not only about 2009 H1N1, but also other recommended, routine vaccinations you may need if traveling, especially overseas. Visit the CDC's Travelers' Health website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for more information and healthy travel recommendations to prevent influenza and other illnesses during travel. You can also find special information about spring break travel. Stay away from people who appear sick or are coughing or sneezing. The main way the flu spreads is through the droplets of coughs and sneezes. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. If soap and water is not available, alcohol-based hand rubs are useful. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.Wash your hands often. Don't share drinking glasses or utensils - avoid drinking beverages mixed in a common container or eating after others. Stay home (or away from others) if you are sick for 24 hours after your fever is gone to prevent others from getting sick too. The full letter can be seen here: http://flu.gov/pdfs/acha_springbreak_letter.pdf.   Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4405/Phased-Evening-Exit-Due-to-Inclement-Weather http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4405/Phased-Evening-Exit-Due-to-Inclement-Weather Weather conditions are worsening, and although the campus remains open for business, supervisors are encouraged to allow non-critical personnel to leave early. To ease traffic flow off campus, a phased evening exit is being recommended. With supervisory approval, employees who work in buildings south of Michigan Street may begin leaving campus at 2:30 p.m. Employees who work in buildings north of Michigan Street may begin leaving campus at 3:00 p.m. Critical personnel including but not limited to those who must address the weather situation (snow removal, traffic, etc.) are not permitted to leave unless specifically authorized by their supervisors. For employees who leave early, the following options are available so that staff do not suffer loss of pay: •Use accrued paid-time-off benefits •Use accrued compensatory time •Make up the work on an hour-for-hour basis during the same workweek •Use an absence without pay but with paid-time-off accruals This announcement does not affect employees who work evening and night shifts on January 7, 2010. Medical and dental students should follow their schools’ protocol to find out if this announcement applies to them. Additional information regarding adverse weather and emergency preparedness is available at: www.hra.iupui.edu.   Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4144/Top-10-Things-You-Should-Not-Share-on-Social-Networks http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4144/Top-10-Things-You-Should-Not-Share-on-Social-Networks Make sure you know how what you're posting affects you, your family, and your job!     Certainly you know that social networking Web sites are the latest and greatest way to interact with other users on the Internet. Thirty-five percent of adults on the Internet now have a profile on at least one social networking site, and 51 percent have more than one. Three-quarters of users between the ages of 18 and 24 have an online profile [source: USA Today]. The Pew Research Center found that 89 percent of these people use the sites to keep up with friends, 57 percent to make plans with friends and 49 percent to make new friends. Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Friendster, Urban Chat and Black Planet are just a few of more than 100 Web sites connecting folks around the world who are eager to share their thoughts and feelings. But just like in real life, there's such a thing as sharing too much information (TMI). It's easy to get caught up in the social aspects of sites like Facebook, but what you choose to share is there for all to see if you don't limit who can view your information. The same study by Pew Research found that 40 percent of users have open access to their profiles, allowing anyone to view their information. The other 60 percent restrict access to friends, family and colleagues. Sharing personal information with strangers can be dangerous business, and there are some things you should definitely put on your "do not share" list. 10.  Personal Conversations 9.  Social Plans 8.  Linking Sites 7.  Company Information 6.  Photos of Your Kids (Publicly) 5.  Your Address and Phone Numb 4.  Personal Finance Information 3.  Your Password 2.  Password Hints 1.  Anything You Don't Want Shared Details of this top 10 "do not share" list can be found at http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-networking/information/10-things-you-should-not-share-on-social-networks.htm.  Keep yourself and your family safe. Bryant, Charles W. "Top 10 Things You Should Not Share on Social Networks." 01 July 2009. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-networking/information/10-things-you-should-not-share-on-social-networks.htm> 03 August 2009. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4006/CDC-Telebriefing-on-Investigation-of-Human-Cases-of-H1N1-Flu http://www.iupui.edu/~prepared/news/4006/CDC-Telebriefing-on-Investigation-of-Human-Cases-of-H1N1-Flu   Operator: At this time, your lines have been placed on listen only until we open up for questions and answers. Please be advised that today's conference is recorded. I will turn the conference over to Mr. Tom Skinner. Tom Skinner: Thank you, Lauren. Thank you all for joining us today for this update on H1N1. Today we have with us the deputy director of our influenza division, Dr. Daniel Jernigan who will replied a brief update for you and then open it up for questions. Dr. Jernigan. Daniel Jernigan: Thanks a lot. The H1N1 continues to circulate in the United States. There are localized outbreaks that are ongoing in several states. Those include Arizona, California, Illinois, New York, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin that have reported the most activity so far. There is on our website regional influenza activity that folks can go and look up. In New York City and in surrounding areas, they are seeing increased levels of novel H1N1 influenza. Some schools in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are temporarily closing when there's evidence of unusually high and sustained number of flu-like illnesses. The New York City health department is an incredible health department, has been working nonstop and they have noted through their own surveillance systems some sharp increases in visits to the emergency departments for influenza-like illness. In terms of the global cases, there have been reported to W.H.O. over 10,000 confirmed cases in 41 countries. In Mexico, there is ongoing transmissions that overall possibly less activity being reported in some of those areas. The total probable and confirmed cases in the United States continues to rise. There are now reported eight fatalities. Of the viruses that have been collected through the surveillance systems in the United States, most of those viruses, about 78%, are the novel H1N1 influenza. We know the known confirmed and probable cases represent, again, only a portion of the number of people that are infected or ill from the virus and, so, there is likely to be increased numbers of cases out in the community. In the United States, as I mentioned, there were eight known fatalities. There are 247 individuals that have been hospitalized and over 70% of those are of those hospitalized patients have had underlying chronic medical conditions, including pregnancy. Asthma and heart disease are some of the most common. So far, we know that individuals that are being hospitalized, many of them are receiving antibacterial therapy or treatment with antibiotics. What we are seeing not as much of is the use of antivirals in H1N1 are being first being seen and being admitted of what are suspected to be H1N1 or suspected to be influenza, but, in addition, we know a number of the cases that have been hospitalized have presented with pneumonias and we want to be sure that those individuals do receive antivirals for pneumonia because that is one presentation that we're seeing with H1N1 hospitalizations. So far, the largest number of Novel H1N1 confirmed and probable cases, over 60% remain in the 5- to 24-year-olds. Of those that are hospitalized, 40% are in the 19- to 49-year-olds. So far, we continue to provide diagnostic kits to a number of countries around the globe and to many states. 44 of them are now able to do their own confirmations. In terms of a vaccine, the production of seasonal flu vaccine is nearly complete and will be completed hopefully as planned. Efforts to grow the candidate vaccines, viruses, for this Novel H1N1 vaccine are well under way. We are at CDC hopeful that we will have vaccine viruses ready to send to manufacturers at the end of may and we're working to speed up the process as fast as possible. As evidenced by recent state and city reports, H1N1 activity is likely to occur in different places at different times. We expect that this may continue over the summer. We're not quite sure what will happen in the fall, but we are being prepared for there to be an increase in the number of H1N1 cases later in the year. At this point, I'll open up for questions. Laura, we're ready for questions. Complete transcript: www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/2009/t090520.htm Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400