Secretary
Napolitano, Administrator Mills Announce
H1N1 Preparedness Guide for Small
Businesses
WASHINGTON – Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today joined Small Business
Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen Mills and Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention Influenza Division Deputy Director Daniel Jernigan to announce
a preparedness guide to assist small businesses in planning for the H1N1 flu.
“Small
businesses play an essential role in our national effort to prepare for all disasters
and emergencies—including the H1N1 flu,” said Secretary Napolitano.
“This guide will help America’s small businesses maintain continuity
of operations and resiliency as the fall flu season approaches.”
“Small
Business owners should take the time to create a plan, talk with their employees
and make sure they are prepared for flu season,” added Administrator Mills.
“For countless small businesses, having even one or two employees out for
a few days has the potential to negatively impact operations and their bottom
line. A thoughtful plan will help keep employees and their families healthy, as
well as protect small businesses and local economies.”
Outbreaks
of H1N1 flu are occurring now across the country and will likely coincide with
the return of seasonal flu this fall and winter. The preparedness guide offers
small business employers tools and information to help them plan for and respond
flexibly to varying levels of severity of an H1N1 outbreak—which may lead
to increased absenteeism, and, if the outbreak becomes more severe, may include
restricted service capabilities and supply chain disruptions. Additional preparations
may be necessary if a more serious outbreak evolves during the fall and winter.
Employers
are encouraged to put strategies in place now to protect their employees and their
businesses in advance of the fall flu season. Included in the preparedness guide
are tips on how to write a continuity of operations plan, steps for keeping employees
healthy, frequently asked questions about the 2009 H1N1 flu and a list of additional
resources that employers can access online.
For
more information and to view the preparedness guide, visit www.flu.gov.
