Below are several resources for Scout Leaders to educate themselves about how to properly and responsibly prepare to react to the H1N1 flu virus outbreak.

In addition to monitoring these sources I will keep an eye on our school district’s webpage for announcements and check in at our local council for direction. Our scouts and families know if school is dismissed we generally don’t hold Scout meetings. We’ll take a few minutes to review the guidelines below with our Scouts at our next meeting.

Scouting Magazine’s Cracker Barrel Blog
Let’s get serious. The H1N1 flu, commonly known as “swine flu,” is spreading rapidly across the United States, and the BSA is asking all unit leaders to be prepared and stay informed.

The CDC has the most up-to-date information on the H1N1 flu at their Web site, and the BSA’s Health and Safety team has offered these tips:

  • Take everyday actions to stay healthy. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • If you have flulike symptoms, stay home and update your employer regularly. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

To stay informed, bookmark the BSA’s Health and Safety alert page. Make sure to pass this message along to your Scouts at your next unit meeting.

B.S.A. Health and Safety Alerts Webpage
Be Prepared

Now is a good time to review your personal and business continuity plans.

Engage
your local Health and Safety and/or Risk Management resources to assist
in review of any activities, events, or gatherings. Some examples from
around the BSA include:

  • Liaison with local public health officials for council or district gatherings.
  • Publish FAQs to address common questions about unit activities and provide local guidance.
  • Implement day or resident camp-style medical screenings in conjuction with your camp physician at events or gatherings.
  • Review policies on care of an ill participant or one who becomes ill at an event, including quarantine procedures.
  • Review business interruption and event cancellation clauses in insurance policies.
  • Place hyperlinks to either the CDC or Scouting Safely Alerts on your Web sites.

CDC N1H1 Information
General information about the virus.

CDC School and Childcare Dismissal
Specific guidance for schools and child care centers

“If a school dismisses students or a childcare facility closes, school
or childcare-related gatherings should also be canceled. Parents and
students should be encouraged to avoid congregating in large numbers
outside of the school setting.”