Disasters and Pandemics
Guidelines and Best Practices
Best Practices in Management of Elderly in Disasters AMA and Baylor
Disaster Planning Lessons from Katrina Summit 2007
AH1N1 Pandemic Guidelines and Briefings by WHO
Click links below:
At the same time NH will face an anticipated shortage of antiviral medications. NH may be sites of
Checklist:
1. Pandemic Influenza disaster Plan
•        Coordinate with DOH disaster management program.
•        Create a multidisciplinary team for pandemic preparedness.
•        Identify members of pandemic response  team
    o        Medical
    o        Nursing
    o        Environmental maintenance
    o        Transport
•        Educate and train/drill team members

2. List important contact numbers
•        Coordinator, Contact with Health department
•        Area hospitals points of contacts identified
•        Nearest referral government or private hospital
•        Emergency room telephone number, cell phone a
•        Identify modes of communication
•        Communication plan in the absence of available telephone access
•        Useful Websites

3. Surveillance plan
May link to DOH surveillance network

4. Vaccination and Antiviral plan
•        Seasonal flu vaccine for all residents unless contraindications exist.
•        Achieve Herd Immunity by vaccinating at least 80% of staff members and close contacts.
•        Priority list for pandemic vaccine (usually limited supply)
•        Antivirals if susceptible
•        Vaccine education
•        Budget allocation

5. Occupational health plan
•        First line team
•        Shifting schedule
•        Plan for event when staff get sick or need to be quarantined

6. Supplies
•        Personal Protective Device  ex. Masks
•        Disinfectants
•        Food and water  supply
•        Isolation rooms

Reference: Mody L and Cinti, S
JAGS 2007
Pandemic Preparedness for Nursing Homes
S de la Vega, MD, MSc