ROCHESTER, N.Y., Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - As health experts across the world seek to get more information and a better understanding of the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak, the Greater Rochester Red Cross encourages families, businesses and organizations to take this time to review safety tips and update their preparedness plans.
“In addition to updating preparedness plans, people should also follow basic public health practices, such as covering your cough/sneeze with a tissue, frequent hand-washing, visiting a doctor for flu-like symptoms and staying home when sick,” said John Buttrill, CEO of the Greater Rochester Red Cross.
The American Red Cross and its chapters will continue to work with government officials on the swine flu issue and stand ready to help as appropriate. The American Red Cross is committed to maintaining the blood supply for the public, to educating the public on preparedness and safety, and to ensuring that we can continue to provide disaster services to those in need.
The American National Red Cross is monitoring the developing situation with this new strain of human swine flu and is in close contact with federal and state officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security.
Up to the minute updates on the swine flu can be found at the Centers for disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
“This is a good reminder to prepare for life’s emergencies. The Red Cross recommends you take this opportunity to prepare your family for any disaster by getting a kit, making a plan and being informed,” Buttrill said.
For more information on how to Be Red Cross Ready and get a complete Seasonal Flu Checklist go to www.RochesterRedCross.org.
About the Greater Rochester Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.RochesterRedCross.org or contact us at 585-241-4400.