Charlestown School to Offer Student Emergency Preparedness Program

BOSTON , Mass. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is initiating a pilot program for New England 4th grade students to teach basic emergency preparedness skills. The Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program will be offered by participating schools within the region. Warren-Prescott School in Charlestown will be among the first to provide the STEP program to its pupils.
In addition to the key lesson plan, students in the selected schools will also receive items to make their own starter kit; including a water bottle, snack bar, emergency whistle, Mylar blanket, and carrying bag. STEP will be taught during the 2008-2009 academic year.
A joint effort between state emergency management agencies and FEMA, the program offers a ready-to-teach preparedness lesson that empowers students to encourage their families to make home emergency kits and communications plans.

Are You Prepared for the Worst?

Over 92% of school-based police officers believe that schools are a “soft target” for terrorist attacks, according to a 2004 National Association of School Resource Officers survey. The report also states “half of the respondents say that emergency plans for their schools are not adequate.”

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 8

8 April 2008
The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection.

The case is a 19-year-old male from Kafr El-Dawar District, Behera governorate. He developed symptoms on 30 March was hospitalized on 31 March and died on 4 April. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3) .
Investigations into the source of his infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry.

Of the 48 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 21 have been fatal.