I want to thank Doctor Lou Kareha, EMA-4 Borough of Clarks Summit, for his recent presentation to council at the last work session. He provided us with the information in a timely manner, well in advance of Pennsylvania's 15 probable cases of the Pandemic. Dr. Kareha, thanks a million for sharing with council the latest on this Pandemic.

Herman Johnson, EMA-4

Minutes from April 28, 2009 Work Session:

Dr. Kareha – Mr. Herman Johnson, EMA director, requested Dr. Kareha join the meeting to speak to council about the Swine Flu.  There are about 100 people affected by the Swine Flu across the country.  Dr. Kareha said the Swine Flu is the latest in the long strain of pandemics scares we’ve had in the United States.  We’ve had the Bird Flu, SARS, and West Nile.  The last pandemic that actually affected the United States and was labeled as a true pandemic was in 1968, it was the Hong Kong Flu.  The young and the elderly are most at risk.  There are simple precautions you can take.  The best way to protect yourself is hand washing.  If you feel sick, stay home or go see your doctor.  Also, use good hygiene and cough and sneeze into your sleeve.  He said last he checked, we have had 50 reported cases in the United States.  He stated that the treatment is the same as the flu, including Tamiflu.  The general healthy population is not at risk of death from this.  He strongly suggests getting the flu vaccine.  Roy Davis asked if it would be helpful for council to place an ad in the paper with some preventive measures.  Dr. Kareha says it’s a good idea to remind people about washing their hands.  Herman Johnson said he didn’t think a newspaper article is a good idea because he doesn’t want our elderly population to over-react.  Roy Davis thinks it would be good for the residents of the community to be aware that we are meeting regarding this matter.  Mr. Johnson said the EMA would like to document a film along with the DPW, police department, and Fire Company on how to evacuate this town.  Herman Johnson said he doesn’t think residents are aware that the Borough Building is a certified national defense building and the elementary school is a meeting place in case of a disaster.  There was a suggestion that it should be posted on the website.  Mr. Johnson is just concerned about the citizens.  He would like them to know what to do and where to go.  Gerrie Carey said the council would authorize anything he would need to do to get started on this.