Historically, pandemic flu has struck the United States three times in the last 90 years.  Experts predict that another pandemic flu outbreak is probable, but no one knows for sure exactly when, where, or in what form another will occur.

The city is working closely with federal, state, county and private agencies to prepare for the eventuality of flu pandemic.  The city’s emergency plan will include close coordination with the Marion and Polk County Health Departments, Salem Memorial Hospital, and other private and public agencies.  The city’s plan will operate under the pandemic planning assumptions defined by the State of Oregon Department of Human Services, Health Division.

The city’s emergency plan, expected to be completed by the end of Summer 2006 will address

• Prioritizing essential city services
• Maintaining adequate staffing levels
• Providing accurate and important information to the public
• Ensuring effective emergency medical response, law enforcement, and delivery of other city services
• Ensuring the resources of all public and private agencies are coordinated for maximum effectiveness
  The city’s plan will operate under the assumption set out by the federal government that, in a pandemic, first response and medical treatment will be a local responsibility.

It is equally important that you begin to prepare yourself, your family, business, or organization to cope with the impacts of a pandemic influenza outbreak.  You should assemble a home disaster supply kit.  You should have basic medical supplies available.  You should have a plan for child care should we experience an extended school closure.  Your business should be preparing to operate with fewer than the normal number of employees.  Your organization should begin thinking about how it will operate differently to help prevent the spread of this disease.

Below you’ll find planning guides and checklists for families, businesses, organizations and other that will assist you in preparing for pandemic influenza.

For more information you may click on any of the links provided below.  Those without Internet access can call:

For public health, medical related questions and/or general information contact:
                        Marion County Health Department:   503-584-4870
                        Polk County Health Department:      503-623-8175

To request more information about City of Salem pandemic influenza planning, visit the Salem Fire Department contacts page.