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CPAs Can Benefit From Flu Preparation
Please note: This item is from our archives and was published in 2009. It is provided for historical reference. The content may be out of date and links may no longer function.
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Several federal agencies have jointly developed a “Preparedness Guide for Small Business” to help small businesses plan for the H1N1 flu (swine flu).
“Small businesses play an essential role in our national effort to prepare for all disasters and emergencies—including the H1N1 flu,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a news release. “This guide will help America’s small businesses maintain continuity of operations and resiliency as the fall flu season approaches.”
The guide includes steps to help small business employers write a plan, such as identifying a workplace coordinator to handle flu issues for the business; examining policies for leave and telework; determining who will be responsible for helping employees who become sick; identifying essential employees and business functions; preparing a business continuity plan; and establishing an emergency communications plan. The guide also includes tips for staying healthy and frequently asked questions.
The guide was developed by the Department of Homeland Security, the Small Business Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The guide and other information can be found on flu.gov, a comprehensive government-wide Web site that provides information on pandemic influenza and avian influenza for the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policymakers, government and business leaders, school systems and local communities.
The CDC Web site is another source for reliable flu information.
Links for influenza planning on these sites include:
- 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Info
- A Preparedness Guide for Small Business
- Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009 – 2010 Influenza Season
- Occupational Health Issues Associated with H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)
- Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Businesses and Employers
Another helpful site, ready.gov, offers tips for developing an emergency plan not specifically related to an influenza outbreak.
