Government of Canada Provides Update on Prevention Measures Being Taken Regarding Human Swine Influenza

The Government of Alberta has confirmed two cases, the Government of Ontario has confirmed four cases and the Government of British Columbia has confirmed one additional case of human swine influenza in each of their provinces.  This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Canada to 13, with four cases from Nova Scotia and two cases from British Columbia announced previously. All cases are the same strain of human swine influenza that has been found in the U.S. and Mexico. To date, all of the confirmed cases in Canada have been mild.

“Today’s new cases were anticipated by public health officials and they do not change our course of action, “ said Minister Aglukkaq. “We recognize that the Canadian cases have been mild to date, but we are taking this situation very seriously. An enormous amount of work is being done by health officials throughout the country to monitor the situation, plan for the future, and make the best decisions possible for the health of Canadians.”
 
“In Canada, we are well-positioned to deal with this.  We are following our national plan and working to mitigate the effects of a possible pandemic,” said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer. “That said, we have decided to move ahead with a travel health warning for Mexico recommending against non-essential travel to that country.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada issued a travel health warning yesterday that recommends Canadians postpone non-essential travel to Mexico.  Travellers arriving from Mexico are receiving information bulletins with health advice and are being screened for illness by border officers.

Canadians are encouraged to access updated information on Human Swine Influenza through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website, www.phac-aspc.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-454-8302.

A backgrounder on some of the actions the federal government is taking and the measures Canadians should take to protect themselves is attached.

Media Inquiries:

Andrew McDermott
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189

A Note from The Langley Emergency Program:

There is much information out there regarding the “Swine Flu” that is making its way around the world.  Please remember that every year we are exposed to different strains of influenza, we deal with it and carry on.   The Langley Emergency Program is keeping their eye on the information, processing it, and ensuring that all precautions or concerns are brought to light in a timely matter. 

To note, the ‘swine flu’ is actually classified as an H1N1 virus; including strains from the Swine Flu, Avian Flu and Human Flu.  Keep this in mind as you read and process different information sources.  It is up to individuals to be vigilant in keeping themselves informed and their family safe by following the simple yet effective precautions shared by all health authorities.

The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
2. Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
3. Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
4. Check the news and below sites for more information
5. Check for travel notices and advisories (link below)
6. Talk to a health professional if you experience flu-like symptoms

Below is a Good map that shows how this H1N1 virus is affecting the world: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8021547.stm

Additional information can be found at:

Public can call:  HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week if they have questions/concerns, or if feeling ill.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm

World Health Organization:  

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Public Health Agency of Canada

Travel Health Warning: 

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/hsf-mexico-090427-eng.php

Information on Government of Canada actions: 

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media/nr-rp/2009/2009_0427_a-eng.php

General Influenza Information: 

http://www.fightflu.ca/index-eng.html

Earthquake Preparedness

When it comes to being prepared for an emergency, people tend to think, “Why bother? It will never happen here.”

Last weekend, it happened here.

 A 2.1 magnitude earthquake struck Langley on Saturday evening, February 7, at 9:23 p.m. Residents from Walnut Grove to Cloverdale heard a loud bang and felt a shake, but luckily no one was hurt and no damage was done.

 But the tremor does serve as a reminder that earthquakes are a reality in this area, and it reinforced the need to be prepared should a quake of a larger magnitude hit.

 “Fortunately this quake was nothing to be concerned about; but what about next time?” said Langley Emergency Coordinator Ginger Sherlock. “What if it is a 4.2 or a 5.7? A quake of that size would be large enough to shake us all about, and maybe even have books and pictures falling, and TVs and computers toppling.”

 According to Sherlock, 70 per cent of all injuries and deaths in earthquakes – whether big or small – come from non-structural damage. Structures such as the framework of buildings usually withstand the quake, but falling debris such as bricks or ceiling tiles, and tall bookcases or fridges that can fall or move, can cause injury or loss of life.

 As well, if the quake is strong enough, electricity can be lost, gas could leak, and water and toilets might not be accessible. Sherlock wonders how many people are truly prepared to cope with those circumstances: “Many say they are prepared. Are you?” she asked.

 Sherlock encourages families and individuals to have grab-and-go kits ready and accessible in case of an earthquake or any other type of emergency. “With a kit your family is prepared for almost everything. If there is a fire you have access to a change of clothes, spare glasses, and important papers, and if you are evacuated for any reason, such as flooding or a chemical spill, again you are ready to go right away and can manage for several days.”

 Sherlock offers the following tips that will help prepare for an earthquake or other emergency:

·        Keep a pair of shoes and a flashlight under your bed to protect your feet from broken glass and debris and provide light if the power is out.

·        Have a phone that does not require electricity, as well as a back-up generator, should the power go off. If you do not have a generator, are you prepared to manage without power? If so, for how long?

·        Ensure there is plenty of food in your pantry that can be cooked without power. Can the barbecue be used to cook meals for your family?

·        Make sure you have bottled water for drinking, as well as for washing your face and hands and for boiling to cook food and make hot drinks.

·        Ensure you have the supplies to create, maintain, and dispose of a portable toilet to ensure hygiene should major water or sewer pipes break.

·        Keep First Aid supplies and other specialty items your family may need, such as extra medication, on hand.

·        Have a plan in place to care for pets and farm animals.

·        Establish a meeting place where your family can gather in case they are separated, and have an out-of-area contact to share information with, should local phone service be limited.

For more information, visit www.langleyemergency.ca, call 604-514-2820, or pick up a copy of the “Prepare now for an earthquake in British Columbia ” pamphlet at the Township of Langley Civic Facility or at the Langley City Hall .  

Did you know? The size of earthquake is now referred to by its magnitude, not as a ranking on the Richter Scale. The Richter Scale was a mathematical formula created in the 1930s by Charles Richter, but it was later found to be unreliable for all earthquakes, as Richter’s method was specific to conditions in California, where it was developed, and based on measurement equipment that is now outdated.

    Did you also know? 

Winter Flooding Hazards

Freezing conditions, snow, and melting snow can be very dangerous be sure to do a walk around your property and household to assess any damage or potential damage.  Be aware of current road conditions and listen for local advisories.

Roadways

• Roads may be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water and melting snow. Barricades may be placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• Listening to the radio for places to avoid.
• If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded:
  • Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
  • Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris and melting snow may be containing broken bottles, other dangerous objects and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
  • Avoid contact with melting snow and floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• While driving stay aware, look for potholes and damaged roads and maintain control of your vehicle.
• Keep children away from creeks and large drains which can be deadly.
• Don't forget about the dangers for your pets (chemicals, flooding, cold).

Around the House

Look for the following issues:

• Drains: Compacted snow may be blocking drains, clear the drains around your home; including roof gutters, drain inlets, downspouts, pipes and drainage ditches.
• Appliances: If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.
• Sparks , broken or frayed wire: Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.
• Water and sewage system:  If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
  • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• Hazardous materials: Don't store hazardous materials in areas that may be subject to flooding.
• Household possessions: If you feel your basement may flood, move possessions to higher ground.
  • Savaging Documents, Family Records, Photographs after a Flood http://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.html

Power Lines

The weight of the snow and melting snow may cause power lines to fall or be damaged from falling tree branches. The following are tips from BC Hydro:

• If you see a fallen power line: If you see a fallen power line, please call us with the exact location. Keep back a minimum of 10 metres (33 feet) from the wires or anything in contact with them and warn others of the danger. Always assume that the lines are energized.
• Shuffle or hop, don't step: If your vehicle makes contact with an energized line, remain inside until help arrives. If you must get out due to fire, jump out with your feet together. Then shuffle away, keeping both feet close together. Never contact the ground and your vehicle at the same time. Learn more about the
  • 7 Steps to Electrical Safety   http://www.bchydro.com/safety/workplace_safety/7_steps_to_electrical_safety.html
• Preparing for an outage: It's best to plan ahead so you are ready if an outage should occur. Having a plan can help you deal with an outage and stay safe. These pages have checklists and tips for before, during and after an outage, which you can use to be prepared at home or at work.
  • Prepare for a power outage at home: http://www.bchydro.com/safety/power_outage_safety.html
  • Prepare your business for a power outage: http://www.bchydro.com/news/power_outages/business_outages.html
• Reporting outages: We urge customers to call us, as this helps determine the extent of the outage and helps us ensure that power is restored as quickly as possible. To report an outage or electrical emergency, call 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766), or *HYDRO (*49376) on your cellphone. If you see lines or poles down, or see any sparks, flames or smoke, call emergency services immediately.