ASH recognizes the special role health professionals play in responding to emergencies and disasters. By preparing in advance, you can help minimize the impact on yourself, your patients, and your practice or institution. Start preparing now by using the links provided below to resources that can assist you in developing your own emergency preparedness plan.

ASH provides this list of resources as a service and is not responsible for the content of external Web sites.

Natural Disasters

• Information for Physicians Concerning Hurricane Gustav - This site is provided to help answer questions about waivers and modifications that apply during the State of Emergency.
• CDC, Natural Disasters and Severe Weather - This site details the potentially damaging effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Information on preventing illness and injury, and postdisaster cleanup is provided.

Infectious Disease Outbreaks

• CDC, Recent Outbreaks and Incidents - Information on disease outbreaks and other health topics of recent interest.
  

Pandemic Influenza
There is agreement in the scientific community that pandemic avian influenza (bird flu) is a current global threat. While there are not yet guidelines that apply to all medical settings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released general information on preparation for pandemic avian influenza and other emergencies. Plans are likely to vary according to a wide variety of factors, such as geographic region and resources. The current emphasis is on community and organization preparedness.

• Guidance on the use of facemasks and respirators - HHS issues interim guidance for the use of facemasks and respirators in public settings during an influenza pandemic.
• Pandemic Planning Update III - A report from Secretary Michael O. Leavitt on the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prepare the nation for the possibility of pandemic influenza.
• PandemicFlu.gov planning checklist - A checklist to help medical offices and ambulatory clinics prepare for responding to pandemic influenza from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Hospital preparedness checklist for pandemic influenza - A checklist to help hospitals prepare for responding to pandemic influenza from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Pandemic Influenza - An overview of pandemic influenza from Trust for America's Health and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
• Avian Influenza - Information about avian influenza provided by the CDC.

Bioterrorism

• CDC, Bioterrorism - This site provides information on more than 30 different types of bioterrorism agents and diseases and provides specific tips and guidelines for ensuring safety when dealing with them.

Radiation Emergencies

• CDC, Radiation Emergencies - This site includes information on the effects of radiation and radioactive materials, and offers details about taking up shelter and evacuating during such emergencies.