Sept. 8, 2006
News media calls to David Hass at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7374.

National Preparedness Month observed in DuPage County with pandemic flu conferences for businesses and schools

Preparing for all types of emergencies, including avian flu and pandemic flu, is important to reduce the impact upon individuals, families, schools, businesses and others. History has shown that being informed and prepared greatly diminishes the negative impact of pandemic flu and other emergencies.

To assist with pandemic flu planning, DuPage County government is hosting free conferences in September to distribute information and suggestions to DuPage County businesses and schools. September is National Preparedness Month.

The meeting for business representatives is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 20.

There are two meetings for schools on Sept. 21. The first is 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the second is 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants may choose either the morning or afternoon session.

All sessions are free and include refreshments. Call (630) 682-7979, ext. 7077 for information and registration. Registration is required. There is limited seating.

Both the school and business conferences are scheduled at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn.

Dr. Myles Druckman, an international pandemic expert, is the featured speaker for businesses on Sept. 20. His remarks will cover “Avian flu: what companies need to know.” Frank Green, a national safe schools spokesman, is the featured speaker for both school sessions on Sept. 21. Green’s remarks are titled “Contingency planning for pandemic flu in schools.”

The DuPage County Health Department, the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, DuPageBiz Economic Development Corporation, the DuPage County Regional Office of Education and other DuPage County departments sponsor these meetings. Funding for the conferences has been made available through an Illinois Department of Public Health grant.

A new website, www.protectdupage.org, has also been created as a single source for DuPage County residents who seek information on pandemic flu, severe storms, floods and all other types of emergencies.

“We promote health, prevent illness, and provide quality service”