CDC Influenza Expert Discusses H1N1 (Swine) Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention influenza expert, Joseph Bresee, M.D., describes the signs and symptoms of swine flu including how it is transmitted, appropiate medicines for treatment and steps to take to prevent or treat illness.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information

CDC: Air Passenger Tests Negative for Swine Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the air passenger, who arrived at Philadelphia International Airport from Mexico on their way to Canada, is not suffering from Swine Flu.

For the latest Swine Flu information, tips on how to prevent infection, or to sign up to receive Emergency Swine Flu Health Alerts directly from ReadyNotifyPA.org, visit www.phila.gov/ready.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Protect Yourself from Swine Flu

Good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

To Prevent Infection:

• Avoid Close Contact - When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.


• Stay Home - If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.


• Cover Your Mouth and Nose - Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.


• Wash Your Hands - Washing often will help protect you from germs.


• Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose or Mouth - Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.


• Practice Good Health - Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information, visit the Swine Flu page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Emergency Preparedness Starts with You. Become a Volunteer.

We all have role to play in keeping Philadelphia safe and secure. Take simple steps to be prepared for emergencies, such as getting trained in basic first aid and volunteering to help local emergency responders.

How can you participate?

Volunteer as a member of any of these agencies who are helping Philadelphia’s first responders prepare for emergencies:

• American Red Cross, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter
• Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
• Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee
• Philadelphia Fire Department
• Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps
• Philadelphia Town Watch Integrated Services
• The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia
• Second Alarmers Association of Philadelphia
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters

Visit our Volunteer page for more information and contacts for becoming a volunteer. For more information on getting your community organization involved, contact Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management at oem@phila.gov.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Know How to Survive an Explosion

Not every explosion has a terrorism connection. Transformers and generators sometimes explode due to age or wear. The following are basic guidelines if you are near an explosion of any type.

On the Street:

• Regain your bearings. Determine if you are injured, and where the blast occurred.
• Move immediately in the opposite direction of the blast.
• Do not walk close to buildings, as glass and debris may still be falling.
• Once you are out of the danger area (at least three blocks), try to remember and write down any information you can about the event. Anything you can remember may be helpful later on.

In a Building:

• Regain your bearings. Determine if you are injured, and note structural damage.
• Quickly note secondary hazards – fire, smoke, toxic fumes and the smell of gas.
• Determine whether you should evacuate or shelter in place.
• Once clear of the danger area, record all information.

On a Train:

• Regain your bearings. Determine if you are injured and note structural damage.
• Quickly note secondary hazards – fire, smoke, toxic fumes.
• Both the tunnel and the train will be dark – move as slowly as is practical.
• Upon exiting the train, be careful to avoid the charged rail.
• Move as a group away from the train.

Facebook Friday on NBC10

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management was featured in the Facebook Friday segment of the NBC10 News at 5pm on April 10.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Plan for any Special Needs in an Emergency

• Will you need help to evacuate? Determine who will help you and how you will get to a safe place or shelter.



• Make sure you have a method for reaching your emergency contacts.



• Locate all usable exits from each room and from your building. Make a habit of knowing where the exits are whenever you are in a new location (such as shopping malls, restaurants, movies and theaters).



• Know evacuation plans for all places where you spend time. Every building’s plan is different. Find out if there are floor marshals, and if they are responsible for evacuation plans. Be sure to let them know what special assistance you may need in an emergency.



• Have a backup transportation plan in case your usual method is not available.



• Practice your plans through regular drills. If you practice drills, you can evacuate with greater ease during a real emergency.



• Practice dealing with different conditions and unexpected situations, such as blocked paths or exits.



• Do you rely on special means of communication, such as American Sign Language or computers that “speak”? Develop a plan for speaking with emergency workers and other unfamiliar people (for example, writing messages or pointing to words and pictures).



• Are you are blind or have low vision? Make sure your support network members practice guiding and directing you.



• Include service animals in all drills so they become familiar with exit routes.