DHS Secretary Advises Flu Preparedness

Dallas, Texas -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano advised emergency officials and community leaders to plan for high rates of absenteeism this fall in case staff become sick or need to care for sick children, the age group hardest hit by the H1N1 flu strain. "Do it now before we're in the midst of this," she said.

"The flu outbreak last spring was a precursor of what we will see this fall. In all likelihood this flu will be back in heavier amounts on our shores before the vaccine is available."

The H1N1 or "swine flu" vaccine is expected to become available by mid-October, and then the vaccination process and actual immunity are expected to take additional weeks.

Napolitano's talk took place at Fire-Rescue International's opening ceremonies, during which she also swore in new U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran.

After discussing some of the DHS's activities, Napolitano added that September is National Preparedness Month, and "There are things you can do to help us."

"We need to have a culture of preparedness -- every citizen has a role to play here," she said, including mitigating the spread of the H1N1 flu, learning CPR and keeping a First Aid kit. She stressed that the country needs to stop assuming that the DHS or other agencies will take care of everything, and that we need a culture of shared responsibility. "That's more than just a phrase," she said, and this concept is particularly important as we head into flu season.

In her final request, Napolitano announced, "We need your input." The DHS is preparing its first-ever review to be completed in December. Visit www.homelandsecuritydialogue.org to input your thoughts. "This is a terrifically important time at the DHS. We're beyond our birthing years and in the process of sculpting this department," she said. The results of the review will largely impact the strategy of the DHS for the next several years.