Pandemic Planning

In February, 2007, Homeland Security issued new new federal intervention concerning Pandemic Planning nation-wide. Several state government departments are working on a plan for Minnesota. School districts are also to have plans for communications and continuity of instruction for unforseen circumstances like the flu pandemic.

Below are some links for information. In the meantime, wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your face!

U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information. Managed by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

Minnesota Department of Health - Influenza Pandemic Planning http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/pandemic/plan/index.html

Minnesota Department of Education - Avian Influenza and Pandemic Planning
http://children.state.mn.us/mde/About_MDE/News_Center/Avian_Influenza_Pandemic_Preparation/index.html

Message from the Commissioner

Red Cross lessons on facing fear for students in grades K-8

Masters of Disaster

Masters of Disaster is an innovative curriculum for children in grades K-8 that helps teachers meet academic requirements by providing lessons on science, math, social studies, language arts, and fine arts through studying the hazards of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, and, in general, personal preparedness. This is a school-based curriculum for use throughout the school year.

Be Ready 1-2-3
The "Be Ready 1-2-3" materials help young children, ages 4 to 7, learn through activities and demonstrations led by "experts" Cool Cat (home fires), Ready Rabbit (winter storms), and Disaster Dog (earthquakes). These materials include the "Be Ready Book" (English and Spanish PDF files) which is designed for children to use as they learn program lessons. The "Instructor's Manual" provides lesson plans and suggested activities for adults or older youth to use with children and deliver the information in the program.

"The Notagains" CD-ROM
"The Notagains" is a CD-ROM computer program and game. It provides interactive learning experiences appropriate for children ages 8 to 11. This scenario-based CD-ROM uses authentic disaster situations (tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms, and home fires) enhanced with sound effects, animation, video clips, and humor to encourage informed disaster preparedness and responses.

List of Pandemic Planning and Response sites from eSchool News
http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/safe/Pandemics.cfm