Burlington – The recent announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) increasing the pandemic alert status to the second highest status at level 5 should be viewed by small businesses as a warning to review their pandemic preparedness plans. Employers are reminded of their responsibilities to ensure a safe and healthy workplace as well as their role in safeguarding the public. The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) has information collected from the best public health sources, including Public Safety Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada, on how to best be prepared for a pandemic as well as other general emergencies.

Small and medium-size businesses are the life blood of our communities. Many of these companies provide essential services and need to be prepared in the event of any major disruption due to an emergency such as an influenza pandemic. Businesses should have procedures in place to safeguard both their employees and the public with whom they interface. They should also review their supply chain and insist that these have adequate precautions in place as these may be critical to their continuity. Businesses that have yet to prepare their pandemic plans should seek out balanced factual information on general preparedness.

CCEP’s website www.ccep.ca has such information which is updated on a regular basis. CCEP has compiled an extensive list of best practices information to assist the small and medium-enterprise owner. These too can be found at this site. Additionally, CCEP has and will continue to conduct training for these businesses in conjunction with community associations to prepare small and medium-enterprises to remain a vital and healthy feature during public emergencies. Communities wishing such training can contact CCEP.

CCEP is encouraging all Canadians to become informed on the issue of influenza pandemics and to use this alert period to review their preparedness programs. CCEP reminds Canadians that extensive pandemic preparations have been undertaken by municipal, provincial, and federal health officials over the past few years. Health agencies have never been better prepared for such a potential outbreak as we are now. Information on safety precautions has been collected from these agencies and can be easily found at CCEP’s website www.ccep.ca or through Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Employers are encouraged to continue to monitor both the CCEP website and public health official announcements. In the meantime, they can take a lead by encouraging safe health practices in the workplace similar to those during the regular flu season. These are proven to reduce the potential spread of the influenza virus and many other infectious diseases. They include:

· Frequent and proper hand washing

· Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or se a clean tissue; discard the tissue then wash your hands

· Avoid shaking hands with others

· Stay at home and avoid crowds if you are sick

· Keep common surfaces clean

Canadians are reminded that May 3-9 is Emergency Preparedness Week. Take the opportunity to prepare and practice your business and personal preparedness plan.

The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) is a federally incorporated non-profit organization whose mission is to foster disaster resilient communities across Canada. CCEP has prepared and delivered emergency preparedness education programs for Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).