Pandemic outbreaks
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population and the virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. The federal government, states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.
If a pandemic occurs, it is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation and other public services. An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic. To be prepared for such an emergency, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services encourages individuals, businesses and communities to:
Talk with your local public health officials and health care providers, who can supply information about the signs and symptoms of a specific disease outbreak and recommend prevention and control actions.
Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home and anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.
Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest. In addition, take common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
source: ready.gov
In an emergency
During an emergency situation involving the campus, UNL's main Web site may convert to a low bandwidth version, free of the majority of graphics to ease transmission and server load. The emergency Web site will be a primary mode of communication, to be continually updated.
During an emergency, our goal is to communicate first with those most immediately impacted; people who need to evacuate or seek medical treatment.
University Communications leads the communications response during and after emergencies, factually assessing each situation, developing the communications response, and assembling a crisis communications team. The goal is to provide accurate and timely information to minimize rumors and restore order and confidence.
During an emergency, the UNL community and general public may receive information through the Web, e-mail, telephone, and the media.
News information about current or recent emergencies on campus and updates on the University's emergency management activities. Members of the media (link to media emergency contact site) can find information 24/7. Up-to-date university information is provided at UNL Today.
