<Your District/School Here>

Pandemic Preparedness

Plan

Month Day, 2008

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW, PLAN REVIEW, PLAN DISTRIBUTION……………….............. 1

HOW THE PLAN WORKS ..................................................................................... 2

STAGE 1: PREVENTION & MITIGATION

Communication .............................................................................................. 3Vaccinations .................................................................................................... 3Guidance & Access to Healthcare During a Pandemic .............................. 3

STAGE 2: PREPAREDNESS

Planning for the Impact of Pandemic at our School ................................... 4Essential Personnel ......................................................................................... 5Back-ups to Essential Personnel .................................................................... 6Essential Equipment and Services ................................................................. 6Essential Functions: Cross-Training ............................................................ 7Essential Functions .......................................................................................... 7Facilities and Services ...................................................................................... 8Allocate Resources to Protect Employees and Students During a Pandemic 9Policies to Be Implemented During a Pandemic ........................................... 10Communication to & Education of Employees, Students & Families ........ 11Communication Platforms .............................................................................. 11Communication Inventory .............................................................................. 12Communication Content .............................................................................. 13

STAGE 3: RESPONSE

Planning/Management of Emergency Events ............................................... 14CRT (Crisis Response Team) Roles and Responsibilities ............................ 15CRT Members and Back-ups ......................................................................... 19Activating the CRT and Business Continuity Plan ...................................... 20Staff Phone Tree .............................................................................................. 21Social Distancing and Limiting the Spread of Pandemic Illness ................. 22Travel ................................................................................................................ 23Working With Public Health Officials ........................................................... 23Coordination With External Organizations .................................................. 23Additional Resources ....................................................................................... 24

STAGE 4: RECOVERY

Factors and Considerations ............................................................................ 25

Overview

In the wake of recent national events, preparing for emergencies has become an essential activity for <Your District/School Here>. The possibility of a major event including but not limited to pandemic influenza, bioterrorism, and natural disasters is a real possibility, therefore the school district has developed a Pandemic Preparedness Plan. This plan will provide guidance for the prevention and mitigation of transmission at the school. In addition, it will be used to prepare for continuing daily activities in the event a large portion of students and employees are unable to attend school and work.

Schools will play a large role in providing reliable and credible information to parents, staff and students. Therefore, it is the goal of <Your District/School Here> to ensure student and employee health and safety as well as school community health and safety during an emergency event.

Plan Review

This plan will be reviewed and updated as needed each <Insert Date> and approved by the <Your District/School Here> Board.

Plan Distribution

Copies of this plan have been distributed as follows:

1. <Insert the name of the individual and location of the individual at your school district office. Eg. Superintendent, Supt’s office>

2. <Insert the name of the individual at your school office and the location of the plan. Eg. Principal’s office bookshelf>

3. <Insert the name/position of all other individuals at your school that have received a copy. E.g. M/O Director, Transportation Director>

4. <Local Law Enforcement Agency>5. <Local Fire Department>6. <Local Emergency Services Agency>7. Stanislaus County Health Department

1

How Our Plan Works

This plan is organized to utilize the four (4) stages of the Pandemic Preparedness Plan developed by the California Department of Public Health and California Department of Education. In order to assist schools in their efforts to prepare, resource information has been made available on the Pandemic Influenza School Preparedness website at www.ReadyCaSchools.org. Locations on this website will be sited throughout this plan in order to provide quick online access to resources for our school.

Website Home Page:

Welcome to ReadyCaSchools.org The purpose of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Schools multimedia training is to help California school administrators and their partners increase their pandemic influenza preparedness. It consists of a video program (broadcast on May 17, 2007), a tabletop exercise, and hundreds of links to valuable planning and preparedness tools. (These tools will also help school staff and students’ families increase their pandemic influenza preparedness.) Before using the tools, please read the site disclaimer.

All components of the training are accessible from this website: 

1. View the 67 minute webcast (the video component) 2. Facilitator and Participant Guides, and PowerPoint Presentation 3. Planning and preparedness resources

» 1. Prevention & Mitigation » 2. Preparedness

Focuses on ways to teach hand hygiene and respiratory disease prevention to limit the spread of disease. Includes age-appropriate lesson plans, skits, posters, and much more.

Preschool | K-8 | High School | College & University | Home & Family

Includes tools, such as emergency kits, surveillance of flu-like illness and absenteeism, letters to parents in preparation for school closure, and other model preparedness guides.

Preschool | K-8 | High School | College & University | Home & Family 

» 3. Response » 4. Recovery

Focuses on what to do if a pandemic occurs. Including how to announce school closure, ongoing disease surveillance, crisis management, and other action tools.

Preschool | K-8 | High School | College & University | Home & Family

Focuses on reopening a school after a pandemic. Includes counseling and mental health resources, coping with financial loss, and sample letters to parents.

Preschool | K-8 | High School | College & University | Home & Family

(Feb 2008)

2

STAGE 1: PREVENTION & MITIGATION

CommunicationCommunication with staff, students and families is critical to the prevention and mitigation of bacterial and viral transmission in the event of a pandemic. Our school will make every effort to communicate prevention and transmission strategies such as proper hand-washing, hand, cough and sneeze hygiene and social distancing.

Flu Vaccinations It is important to encourage employees, students and families to receive annual flu vaccinations. Flu vaccinations will be guided by the Stanislaus County Health Department according to State Prioritization Guidelines and in the case of a pandemic may not be available for 4-6 months. The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency website is: www.schsa.org/

Guidance & Access to Healthcare During a Pandemic Availability of healthcare during a Pandemic event is crucial to the health and well-being of staff, students and the community.

Other websites that offer guidance and healthcare include:Stanislaus Public Health Department: www.schsa.org/PublicHealth/index.htmlCalifornia Department of Health Services: www.dhs.ca.gov/Stanislaus Office of Emergency Services: www.scoes.info/Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/

World Health Organization & CDC: www.pandemicflu.orgNOTE: For School Fact Sheets, Guides, Posters, Skits, Teaching Exercises, Videos, Sample Letters and Other Materials: http://www.stancoe.org/scoe/admin/CrisisPlanning/welcome.htm www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/prevention.htm 3

3A

Resource Description Implementation Plan Task Assigned to: Target Date Implementation Date

 <Hand washing posters><Place posters in all classrooms, restrooms, cafeteria, library> <Jane Doe> <August 1> < Date >

         

         

         

          

       

         

         

         

         

Mitigation and Prevention

STAGE 2: PREPAREDNESS

Planning for the Impact of Pandemic at Our School

A Pandemic outbreak can cause up to 35% of employees to be absent from their positions at any given time. Because of this it is essential to prepare for a Pandemic differently than a standard emergency event.

During a Pandemic outbreak many essential functions (functions that must be maintained during an emergency event) may be carried out by persons not formally trained in that duty. At <Your District/School Here>, our Crisis Response Team (listed in Stage 3: Response) will be responsible for ensuring that essential duties and functions are maintained during a Pandemic outbreak.

In order to ensure the continuation of the functions that must be maintained, we have identified the following areas:

Essential Personnel and Functions

Due to the limited resources available for the operation of schools, it is critical for the school district to identify the essential personnel and functions prior to an event. This activity is necessary in order to build plans for continuing basic operations in the case of a widespread illness event that removes key personnel from their normal role. As an example, a pandemic outbreak can easily remove a Superintendent or Principal from active service due to illness. Payroll and Accounting functions can be paralyzed by the illness of 1-2 individuals.

Our school has identified the following critical areas to be prepared and managed in the event of a Pandemic outbreak:

Essential Personnel and Functions

Back-ups to Essential Personnel

Essential Equipment and Services

Essential Functions – Cross Training Needed

4

Essential Personnel <Suggested: Delete or insert additional rows as necessary>

Role Name Work Phone Home Phone Cell/ 24 hr phone E-mail Address

Superintendent

School Principal

Attendance Clerk

Personnel/HR

Payroll

Employee Benefits

Acc. Receivable

Acc. Payable

Maint./Operations

Custodial Services

Transportation

Food Service

5

Back-ups to Essential Personnel <Suggested: Delete or insert additional rows as necessary>Role Name Work Phone Home Phone Cell / 24 hr phone E-mail Address Superintendent 1.

2.School Principal 1.

2.Attendance Clerk 1.

2.Personnel/HR 1.

2.Payroll 1.

2.Employee Benefits 1.

2.Acc. Receivable 1.

2.Acc. Payable 1.

2.Maint./Operations 1.

2.Custodial Services 1.

2.Transportation 1.

2.Food Service 1.

2.

Essential Equipment and Services <Suggested: Delete or insert additional rows as necessary>Item or Service Contractor 24 hr phone Maint./Service Rep. 24 hr phone Air/Heating SystemsComm./Phone SystemSecurity System

6

Essential Functions: Cross-Training

In addition to identifying key personnel and equipment we at <Your District/School Here> believe it is imperative to cross-train employees to ensure continued productivity during a Pandemic outbreak or any emergency event that would require employees to be absent for an extended period of time*.

*An extended period of time would be defined as any length of time that would hinder the continuation of school operations. This may include the following:

Continued school operations significantly impacted by staff and student absences (reduced attendance)

Closure of the school due to the inability to staff classroom instruction or basic operations (lack of staffing)

Closure of the school as directed by health authorities (social distancing, need for use of the school facilities)

An essential duty includes:

Functions that must be continued in all circumstances (business, security and system operations)

Functions that provide vital services (staff payroll, benefits, business processing, security, heat/cooling systems)

Maintain the safety of the staff, students and public

The following is a list of essential duties/functions at < Your District/School Here > that must be maintained during an emergency event:

Essential Functions <Suggested: Delete or insert additional rows as necessary>

Essential Function Skill Required Responsible PositionAdministrative (management)Employee Payroll (preparation/processing)Employee Benefits (preparation/processing)Other Critical Business (list the function/s)Facility Systems (heating, cooling)Security and Safety (buildings and grounds)

7

Facilities and Services

A Pandemic event or other emergency event may result in an increase or decrease in demand for our facilities or services. Arrangements should be made ahead of time in a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with all outside agencies and vendors.

We have identified incidents that would result in a decrease or increased need for our facilities or services.

<For example, during a Pandemic event, if a need arises for sheltering, a facility for medical treatment, production of large quantities of food or transportation of large numbers of the public there would be increased demand for the school’s facilities, transportation services or food service abilities. Conversely, if social distancing were to be warranted, a decrease in the school operations based on the need to limit large social gatherings would occur. >

INCREASED SERVICES

REASON FOR INCREASE

WHAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE NEEDED MOU

Use of facilities Sheltering, medical treatment, morgue management

Management of heating/cooling operations, security. (Shelter staffing anticipated from Health Dept., Red Cross, other service agencies)

Use of food service facility and equipment

Support for disaster workers, food for public members unable to self-provide

Food, (Staffing anticipated from Red Cross, other service agencies)

TransportationTransportation of public members to/from medical treatments, provision of supplies

Fuel, drivers

DECREASED SERVICES

REASON FOR DECREASE

SCHOOL RESPONSE

Delivery of curriculum Extensive staff and student absences

Close the school for day-to-day operations

Day-to-day operation of the school

Social distancing, need for school facilities

Close the school for day-to-day operations

8

Allocate Resources to Protect Employees and Students during a Pandemic

The employees and students of <Your District/School Here > are our first priority during a Pandemic Flu or emergency event.

Therefore, we will provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies in all of our classrooms and work sites. This material may be referred to as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

<Identify the supplies available, what they will be used for, where they are located and how an employee or student can gain access if needed. Types of resources may include hand hygiene products, tissues and receptacles for their disposal. Delete or insert additional rows as needed.>

Special Efforts and Supplies

Purpose of the Effort or Supply

Location where supply is stored

How is access gained? (including phone number or contact if necessary)

Stepped Up Custodial Disinfection

To eradicate virus and bacteria in all areas accessible to staff, students and the public

M/O, Purchasing, Custodial Closets

Head Custodian directs all custodians on increased efforts

Kleenex & waterless antibacterial hand wash

Prevention of airborne germs and hand surface bacteria

All student access areas (classrooms, gyms, cafeterias)All staff areas, offices, counters, work and break rooms,public s counters

(e.g. school office contact, custodial supply, purchasing, etc.)

Antibacterial hand soap

Removal of hand surface bacteria

All restrooms and sinks at facilities

(e.g. purchasing, custodial supply)

Emergency Kits(Example kit contents can be found at:

1st aide treatment

www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/preparedness.htm

9

Policies to be Implemented During a Pandemic

During a Pandemic event it has been forecasted that a high percentage of employees will be absent for an extended period of time. Because < Your District/School Here > has developed policies for social distancing we are discouraging employees from attending work if they are ill or suspected to be ill.

Therefore we have established policies for the following pandemic related employee actions:

<Consider the following policy areas that your school might want to implement in the case of a pandemic>

Employee compensation and sick-leave absences unique to a pandemic (will non-punitive, liberal leaves be allowed?), including policies on when a previously ill person is no longer infectious and can return to work after illness.

Flexible worksite (telecommuting) and flexible work hours (alternative shifts). Note: Identify positions that will be allowed to participate.

Preventing influenza spread at the worksite (limiting physical contacts, promoting respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, and prompt exclusion of people with influenza symptoms)

Restricting travel (athletic, extracurricular events, field trips and meetings)

<Insert your district/school’s policies here>

10

Communication To & Education of Employees, Students & Families

To ensure the health and well-being of employees and students we are working closely with the local health department to disseminate the most reliable, and, up-to-date health information. In addition, we are constantly monitoring information that is provided by the County Office of Education and California Department of Education.

Disseminate information to employees about our pandemic preparedness and response plan. Training for staff is essential.

Anticipate fear and anxiety, rumors and misinformation and plan communications accordingly <Make sure resources are available and disseminated on a regular basis>

Ensure that communications are culturally and linguistically appropriate <This may require multiple language translations >

Assess current communication channels and develop additional ones if needed for communicating pandemic status and actions to employees, students and families inside and outside the school site/district in a consistent and timely way.

<Identify your available communication platforms and how frequently the information should be updated>

Communication Channels

Channel Target Audience Accessibility Frequency of Updates

11

Communication Inventory

At < Your District/School Here > we have the following equipment and devices available for communication:

<List the type of communication devices available to your staff during an emergency event. Identify whether the devices is a primary or secondary device, who is responsible for the device and the number associate with the device>

Type of Communication Equipment/Device

Phone Number or Radio Number and Frequency

Primary or Secondary Device (P or S)

Person Device Assigned To

12

Communication Content

The following is a list of information that should be made available to all employees, students and families and the factors to be considered in the event of a pandemic:

Programs and materials covering pandemic fundamentals o Signs and symptoms of influenzao Modes of transmissiono Tips for proper hand disinfectiono Information for the at-home care of ill employees and family members

Example Guides, Letters (in multiple languages) & videos can be accessed at: www.ReadyCASchools.gov

www.stancoe.org

Status reports on the closure/opening of the school Example Surveillance & Reporting Tools can be accessed at:

www.ReadyCASchools.gov www.stancoe.org

13

STAGE 3: RESPONSE

Planning/Management of Emergency Events

The < Your District/School Here > utilizes the ICS (Incident Command System) CRT (Crisis Response Team) for planning and response to emergency/disaster events:

The CRT will be responsible for investigating all emergency events and evaluating the impact such event will have on < Your District/School Here >.

Once impact has been determined by the CRT, a plan for responding will be developed for < Your District/School Here >

The priorities for the CRT are as follows:

1. Preservation of Life2. Care for Emergency Medical Needs3. Ensuring the Continuation of Essential Functions3. Mitigating the Spread of Disease4. Reassurance for Students, Staff, School Community5. Restoration of Normal Operations

School Incident CommanderPrincipal

(Insert name)

Public Information Officer

(Insert name)

Board of Trustees

District Incident CommanderSuperintendent(Insert name)

-or-

Operations/Liaison Manager

(Insert name)

Logistics Manager

(Insert name)

Finance/Administration Manager

(Insert name)

Planning/Intelligence Manager

(Insert name)

Safety Officer(Insert name)

-or-

6. Post-Incident Support and Evaluation 14

CRT (Crisis Response Team) Roles and Responsibilities

Incident Commander (District-DIC/School-SIC):

The role of the Incident Commander is to coordinate the overall management of the event The Incident Commander is the person who deems and declares an incident to be an emergency and is responsible for the management of emergency operations for the duration of the event.

He/She is also known as the Emergency Operation Center Director and is specifically responsible for the development and implementation of strategic decisions and for approving the ordering/release of resources. The Incident Commander brings the CRT together regularly in the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) for updates on progress and the development of team strategies.

The Incident Commander also implements directions from the City/County Emergency Operations Center when it is activated.

The Incident Commander will:

1. Establish the appropriate level of organization, continuously monitor the effectiveness of the organization, and make changes as required.

2. In conjunction with the CRT, set priorities for response efforts, and ensure that all actions are accomplished within the priorities established.

3. Keep agencies, staff and administrators informed on all matters regarding: status of situation, emergency procedures that need to taken, allocation of resources, and cost projections.

4. Ensure that multi-agency or inter-agency coordination is accomplished.

Authorities:

* To declare an emergency, activate the CRT (Crisis Response Team) and designate the EOC (Emergency Operations Center/CRT meeting place)

* To approve the ordering and release of resources* To implement action plans* To release information to public* To redirect school funds for emergency use* To enter into an agreement with other public and private agencies for use of needed

resources* To commit to mutual aid agreements* To direct school closure/evacuation of student and staff from the school* To implement restrictions/regulations relating to vehicular and pedestrian access to, from

and within the school site

15Public Information Officer (PIO):

The role of the Public Information Officer is to act as the ONE VOICE OF THE DISTRICT to inform the public and media on emergency events as they progress. Under the direction of the Incident Commander, the PIO serves as the conduit for information and relays information releases to internal and external stakeholders, including parents, the media or other agencies seeking information directly from the incident or event.

Responsibilities:

1. Serve as the dissemination point for information and updates to the public, media, County Schools Office, and parents under the direction of the Incident Commander.

2. Maintain a record of information released including the times and recipients of information releases and updates.

Safety Officer (SO):

Under the direction of the Incident Commander, the Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that safe procedures and practices are observed and to monitor for signs of illness and distress in individuals at the site.

Responsibilities:

The Safety Officer is assigned directly under the Incident Commander. His/her sole responsibility is to ensure the emergency operation progresses in a safe manner.

1. Attend periodic CRT meetings/briefings and address safety issues.

2. Observe operations to determine adherence to safety standards.

3. Advise the Incident Commander whenever personnel or other individuals are showing signs of illness, distress due to long hours, marginal working conditions, or other factors that adversely impact decisions.

4. Monitor student, staff and public access to facilities in accordance with controls established by the Incident Commander.

Authorities:

To bypass the chain of command, when necessary, to correct unsafe acts immediately.

16Operations/Liaison Manager (OM):

The role of the Operations Manager is to coordinate the response for all jurisdictional and interagency operations at and from the school site. He/she also acts as the school Liaison Manager for outside agencies including the County Office of Education, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and all outside emergency and regulatory response agencies.

Responsibilities:

The Operations/Liaison Manager is responsible for the management of all operations directly applicable to the school’s primary mission. He/she requests or releases resources, makes expedient changes to the action plan as necessary, and reports these changes to the Incident Commander.

1. Ensure that the operations function is carried out including the coordination of response.

2. Ensure that operational objectives and assignments identified in the CRT action plan are carried out effectively.

3. Establish the appropriate level of personnel support and make changes as required.

4. Keep the Incident Commander and the rest of the CRT informed of resource status.

5. Coordinate multi-agency, students & staff response to the event.

Planning/Intelligence Manager (PIM):

The role of the Planning/Intelligence Manager is to oversee and compile documentation, action plans and overall incident information. He/she assembles information on strategy options, provides periodic predictions on the potential impact of the incident, develops incident status reports and reports significant changes in the incident status.

Responsibilities:

The Planning/Intelligence Manager is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination, and use of information about the development of the event, status of resources and reporting required from outside agencies such as the County Office of Education, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and all outside emergency and regulatory response agencies.

1. Analyze the situation as it progresses.

2. Record the status of resources committed to the incident.

3. Record and protect all documents relevant to the incident.

4. Develop a plan for demobilization of the resources committed and assist in the

implementation of that plan. (Works closely with Operations and Logistics) 17Logistics Manager (LM):

The role of the Logistics Manager is to identify, acquire, and distribute resources needed to support the response. He/she supports all other sections with resources that might include telecommunications, transportation, supplies, facilities, personnel, food and ground support.

Responsibilities:

The Logistics Manager will ensure that facilities and transportation support resources are available to fulfill the anticipated need, both in personnel and materials.

1. Ensure that logistics function is carried out including the provision of communications to support the response effort, and the acquisition of other support resources.

2. Establish the appropriate level of support within the Logistics area. Note: The size and nature of a Logistics Support Team may be numerous or few depending on the event. Continuously monitor the effectiveness of that support and make changes as required.

3. Monitor the coordination of activities within the individual or group securing/distributing the resources. Ensure that all actions are accomplished within the priorities established in the action plan.

4. Coordinate the provision of logistical support for the EOC

6. Report to the Incident Commander on all matters pertaining to logistical activities.

7. Units within the Section may include:Communications: - development of communications plan

- distribution of communication equipment- supervision of communication network- maintain/repair communication equipment

Support: - ordering of equipment and supplies to address ongoing resource needs- provide fixed facilities; food, sleeping units, sanitary facilities- provide fueling, maintenance, repairs

8. Work closely with Operations/Liaison Manager to ensure coordinated and efficient interagency responses.

Finance/Administration Manager (FAM):

The role of the Finance/Administration Manager will be to monitor costs related to the event.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide accounting, procurement, time recording, and cost analysis.

2. Analyze options for the continuation of curriculum for students as a result of the physical closure of school.

3. Analyze costs for outsourcing operations if staffing falls adequate due to the event.

4. Provide updates on student and staff attendance/absences and oversee the management of

the data. 18

CRT (Crisis Response Team) Members and Backups

CRT Members must always have back-ups in case they are unable to fulfill their duties.

< Fill in the chart below using existing staff for the above positions> Role Name Work

PhoneHome Phone

Cell Phone / 24 hr phone

E-mail Address

District Incident Commander (DIC) Back-ups for DIC(at least 2)School Incident Commander (SIC)

Back-ups for SIC(at least 2)Public Information Officer (PIO) Back-ups for PIO(at least 2)Safety Officer (SO)

Back-ups for SO(at least 2)Operations Manager (OM)

Back-ups for OM(at least 2)Planning/Intelligence Manager (PIM) Back-ups for PIM(at least 2)Logistics Manager (LM)

Back-ups for LM(at least 2)Finance/Administration Manager (FAM)

Back-ups for FAM(at least 2)

19

Activating the Crisis Response Team (CRT) & Business Continuity Plan

Activating the CRT (Crisis Response Team) depends on the magnitude of the event. Sometimes only several functions of the team are needed while other events may create the need for the entire team to function.

Once the School has declared an emergency and if their function is activated, the PIO (Public Information Officer), SO (Safety Officer), OM (Operations Manager), PIM (Planning/Intelligence Manager), LM (Logistics Manager) and FAM (Finance/Administration Manger) will no longer report to their direct supervisors but rather directly to the DIC (District Incident Commander) or SIC (School Incident Commander) depending on who steps in as the Incident Commander.

The Operations Manager will be responsible for contacting all appropriate Crisis Response Team members at the direction of the Incident Commander.

If the Crisis Response Team member currently acts as an Administrator, Manager, or Director for the following school operations and his/her crisis response role has been activated, he/she will notify the following individual to assume his/her role for the department operations as directed:

School Operation Current Administrator, Manager, Director

Temporary Back-Ups(at least 2)

District Administration

Business

Personnel/HR

Curriculum/Categorical Programs

Special Education

Principal

Maintenance/Operations

Custodial

Transportation

Food Service

Nursing Services

NOTE: Additional resources such as plans for the continuity of education, Guides, Letters, Surveillance & Reporting and Media Materials can be found at www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/response.htm

20

Staff Phone Tree

<Insert the staff phone tree from your emergency disaster plan that is specific to your school here. This should be broken down by school operation/departments, supervisors and employees>

21

Social Distancing and Limiting the Spread of Pandemic Illness

In order to lessen the spread of Pandemic illness from person to person a method called “Social Distancing” is often employed. “Social Distancing” is the physical act of placing more space than usual between one person and another. Examples of Social Distancing and behaviors that would limit the spread of a Pandemic Flu would include:

Eliminate hand shaking or physical contacts Increase hand washing and use of antibacterial hand sanitizer Placing 1 seat in between a staff member and another during a meeting Placing at least 3 feet between employees during conversations and meetings Limiting outdoor movement (business trips, lunches, etc.) Telecommunications (to work at home or at an alternative location while electronically

connected to the main work system)

<Identify the types of social distancing supported by your school and the resources needed to implement those practices. For example, your school may want to purchase antibacterial hand sanitizer for work stations/counters how will this affect the school?>

Type of Social Distancing Practice

Currently in

Practice?Y / N

Training Avail.?Y / N

Resources Needed to Implement

Direct Effect on School or Department

Eliminate hand shaking and physical contacts

Notification only Change in practice

Increase hand washing and use of sanitizers

SanitizersHand washing hand-out

Cost to school/dept.

Seat separations for meetings

Notification only Change in practice

3 foot physical separation during conversations and meetings

Notification only Change in practice

Limiting outdoor movements

Notification only Change in practice

Telecommunications Policy/Procedures/Forms

Alternate supervisionCost for add. technology

22

Travel

The potential exists for the transmission of disease from passenger to passenger, or from traveler to family. As a result, it is likely during a pandemic event that travel to countries or states with a widespread outbreak will be restricted.

In addition, our school will consider exposures inherent to athletic and extracurricular, field trips and meetings. Because of this, it is not unlikely that some or all such events will be cancelled or re-scheduled.

Working with Public Health Officials

In order to effectively deliver pandemic and other emergency preparedness information it is essential to communicate with our Public Health Department, Emergency Management Agencies, and other sources of information. In addition to providing us with information, the Health Departments will periodically request information from us. This information may be in the form of absences, interviews, or general health education / worksite wellness. It will be essential to ensure that communication between < Your District/School Here > and the Health Department is fluid during a pandemic or other emergency event.

Coordination With External Organizations

To make this plan a success it is essential to communicate and coordinate our plans with insurers and local, state, and federal agencies.

Agency & Contact Person Address

Stanislaus County Office of Education: Administration/Communications - Jane Johnston – Phone: 238-1700Health Services Department –Patti Cassinerio – Phone: 238-1780Prevention Programs Department – Vicki Bauman – Phone: 238-1360

1100 H StreetModesto, CA 95354

Stanislaus County Health Departmentwww.schsa.org/PublicHealth/index.htmlPhone: 558-7000

830 Scenic DriveModesto, CA 95350

Stanislaus County Emergency Serviceswww.scoes.info/Phone: 552-3600

3705 Oakdale RoadModesto, CA 95357

Our Insurance Group Contact Person:

23

Additional Resources

The following is a list of resources that may be helpful in the development and management of a pandemic flu or other public health crisis event:

Stage 1: Prevention & Mitigation Resources:www.dhs.ca.gov/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/prevention.htm

Stage 2: Preparedness Resources:www.dhs.ca.gov/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/preparedness.htm

Stage 3: Response Resources:www.dhs.ca.gov/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/response.htm

Stage 4: Recovery Resources:www.dhs.ca.gov/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/recovery.htm

www.stancoe.org Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE)or SCOE Crisis Planning Websitewww.stancoe.org/scoe/admin/CrisisPlanning/welcome.htm

www.pandemicflu.gov Pandemic flu website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.cdc.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.fema.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency

www.dhs.gov United States Department of Homeland Security

www.dhs.ca.gov/ California Department of Health Services:

www.cdc.gov/ Center for Disease Control:

24

STAGE 4: RECOVERY

Recovery efforts will depend upon the response required for the incident. Communication and support services are critical to a successful recovery.

Recovery at < Your District/School Here > will be planned by the CRT (Crisis Response Team). The factors to be considered by the CRT include the following:

FACTOR CONSIDERATIONSCounty Health Department

Have they provided clearance?If so, to what degree? (any levels of surveillance or distancing?)How will any surveillance issues be addressed?

Public Communication What type of communication and information has been provided to the public?

Preparation for the reopening of school

To what degree will normal operations be reopened? (minimum-full day, graduated, full operation)Has a re-incubation period been addressed?What level of staffing and operations are available?How will communication with staff be conducted?How will communication with students and family be conducted?How will curriculum be delivered to those students who are not able to return immediately?

Ongoing Communication

How will the school continue to provide information to staff, students and families?

Mental Health Support How will the school provide the support that will be needed? (district/co-wide counseling teams, community resources)How will referrals for services be handled? (staff, students and families)

Completion of the School Year

How much time was lost?What resources are available from the County Office of Education and State Department of Education?What resources are available from the local, state, federal agencies?What education goals are appropriate through the end of the year?How will grading be handled?How will lost instruction be recovered?How will staff lost time be handled?

Evaluation Of Our Response

How did we do?What were our strengths?What can we draw from our strengths?What were the weak areas?How can we improve any weak areas?How can we communicate the results to our school community?

NOTE: Additional resources such as Counseling Resources, Guides, Letters, Self-Care, Teaching Exercises can be found at:

www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/izgroup/ReadyCASchools/phase/recovery.htm

25