As of June 15, 2006 there have been 226 cases of the Avian Flu reported worldwide. Of the 226 reported cases, 129 resulted in deaths. (World Health Organization June 15, 2006)
- Every year, flooding causes more than $2 billion of property damage in the U.S. (FEMA website 2006)
- Each hurricane that makes landfall in the US costs an average of $3 billion in insurance losses. Four storms - Katrina, Rita, Wilma and Dennis - exceeded that figure last year. The estimated cost of Katrina alone was $80 billion. (Tropical Storm Risk Insurance Consortium in2006)
- The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) forecasts that a very active hurricane season is looming for 2006 --- predicting 13 to 16 named storms(versus an average of 11), with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes (average of 6), of which four to six could become 'major' hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher (average of 2).
Clearly, individuals need to make preparations to better protect their lives and livelihoods. Employers must also be prepared to deal with these ongoing disasters that affect the bottom line. Marie Apke, Senior VP of Operations for Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, a Chicago area based Employee Assistance Program, suggests the following.
"BDA´s EAP has consulted with many of our clients regarding the psychological impact created by disasters. Companies need to be creative regarding business contingency plans and they also need to pay special attention to the very real emotional toll that may be experienced. These emotions include; anxiety, stress, grief, depression and loss. Businesses should consult with their EAP in order to anticipate employee reactions during difficult times and to prepare business continuity plans keeping psychological impact in mind. Currently, the CDC and FEMA have a host of materials to help companies prepare comprehensive contingency plans."
For added information surrounding employer disaster preparedness contact the CDC and FEMA websites: www.cdc.gov/; www.fema.gov/.
Bensinger DuPont & Associates is a privately owned professional services company that is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individuals and their families through a wide range of consultation, training and counseling services.
For additional information, Marie Apke can be reached at 1-800-227-8620. Media Contact: Cindy Kazan
414.352.3535; ckazan[at]communik-pr.com