Any folks out there from the Washington, DC metro area?
Hi, Anonymous,
Now you are in my neighborhood.
hey yall! i live down in richmond.
loudoun county
Arlington County
Washington, DC — Capitol Hill. Nice to hear there’s some company in the area….
Stafford
We called Northern VA Electrical Co Op today. They don’t have any pandemic emergency plans. Actually hadn’t heard of pandemicflu.gov My husband plans to e-mail info to the public affairs office.
Fairfax County
Two gallon water jugs are disappearing off the shelves. Usually its the smaller bottles that go first. Very errie. Soup are also going fast.
Just a bump to the top.
Culpeper - Where are YOU?
Stafford, anyone check with any utilities etc? NOVEC was clueless but open to any info my husband wanted to e-mail. My husband said the public affairs guy said they had just completed a large emergency management exercize with Prince Wm. Co. and that county made no mention of BF either.
I plan on waiting until Mar 1 to contact Stafford schools as to their plans. I figure I’ll get the usual glazed eyes, but by then the gov. flu website is supposed to have their school guidelines posted. I can use that as a starting point.
Cumberland, VA here Hour west of Richmond
CUmberland, that was me
PW here but hope to have a place down in Spotsy finished soon.
Roanoke, retreating to Smith Mountain Lake when the bird sh** hits the fan. Stocked and cocked.
Prince William Co here - any others?
Montgomery co., MD here
Falls Church
Howard County, MD—up & down 270 into town 5 days a week.
Powhatan here….about 15 mi. west of Richmond.
South edge of baltimore city myself.
I’m in Montgomery County, MD too, in the general Rockville/Gaithersburg area.
Stafford here. Teese: Anything from the schools yet?
Let me ask you Northern VA people - what is your approach on personal/home safety? I live in the typical Northern VA housing development. Hubby doesn’t seem to think the looting and riots will happen in our neighborhood - I don’t know what to think. Guns are out of the question - I don’t imagine it to be a big shot-gun carrying kind of community. Wouldn’t I stick out like a sore thumb being the only one with boarded up windows??
VirginiaMom
Your right down the road from me! Cumberland CourtHouse here. My kiddo’s play ball for the cumberland youth leage in the spring and we play Powhattan alot.
On the fence but leaning, I’ve been dealing with the flu raging through the family the past few weeks. Been in constant touch through e-mail with the kids teachers to stay up on their studies. Have asked each about any news about school preps. Very funny, they answered all my e-mails about kids school work very promptly, usually within minutes. Not one word in response to pandemic preps. Nothing. If it wasn’t so sad I’d laugh.
DC- Capitol Hill. More concerned here about the societal effects and fallout than the bug (nasty as it may be) itself. Not certain how many folks here in the city actually are clued into the threat yet.
AMAK- The gun issue is very tricky. If you don’t think you could use one, don’t get one. It will just become a “gift” to someone else who will take it from you. I don’t think that there will be rioters or gangs. Those problems may come up later at grocery stores etc. I read in one of these posts that the best protection is to not let anybody know you are prepping, keep your garage door shut and don’t turn on lights at night if neighborhood lights are out. This sounds like wonderful advice. Good luck.
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Capitol Hill. Good to know there’s folks around. Is it to weird to suggest some of us in metropolitan area getting together for coffee at a diner sometime?
or even those on Capitol Hill? (looks like there may be three of us)
South Arlington
For Capitol Hill (DC) residents - Anyone know if the whole pandemic flu and prepping issue has been brought up on the MOTH (Moms on the Hill) discussion group? I know they have some VERY active folks that frequent the site and might be a good place to generate interest in local prepping.
Western Fairfax county here.
Rappahannock Co. here
Accomack County (Eastern Shore) ………. my nearest neighbors are 170,000 Perdue broiler/fryers
Habanero: I will be looking for your posts in the future! Keep us ‘in the know’ about your neighbors. Are you seeing any changes in how they run the place?
Many, many years ago when I was stationed in the DC area, I visited the Smithsonian Museam of Pathology, which had all sorts of gruesome stuff in it, from the leg of someone who died from elephantiasis to the skeleton of a man whose entire body locked up from arthritis. Question…is it still there, and if so, do they have a research room which might have some documents relating to the 1918 influenza? For those in the area it might turn up something interesting.
we have tyson farms all over here too, one is alittle more than a mile up the road. ugh
We were going up the road the other day following a chicken truck. Feathers flying all over the place, and the smell! BLECH!
On the fence but leaning a lot more:::: That crew of neighbors went out this afternoon…..I’ll probably have new neighbors in about 10 days. There have been no noticeable changes in how the houses are run, they take all necessary precautions, and have “just-in-case” plans and do all of the chicken farmers on the DelMarVA Peninsula.
I have no financial interest in the industry, just found the entire concept of Avian Influenza fascinating when I fist learned of it when I moved to Delaware in the early 1980s. Living in this area one learns to deal with chickens - trucks, feathers, smell and all.
The company my husband works for services some of the computers at the Perdue plants onthe Eastern Shore and headquarters in Salisbury, so he has seen first hand how seriously they take AI nad did so even before the question of the H5N1 strain and possible pandemic arose.
I don’t know much about Tyson and it’s operations, other than the plant that’s about 3 miels from here is huge….
3L120: About the museum, we just went up there a few weeks ago. I didn’t see anything in the entire museum area about the flu.
At the Smithsonian, there are rooms for the public to view and then there are storage rooms, offices, libraries, research-ie-types of rooms. They might have things related to the 1918 influenza, but for research purposes, I would call them first and see who might know.
dk — As far as I can tell, it hasn’t been brought up on MOTH (Moms on the Hill). I’m a member of that listserve and have been thinking of posting something, but haven’t as of yet.
DK — ps — when you said that MOTH has some very active members who frequent the site, did you mean who frequent the MOTH site or who frequent FLUWIKI?
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MomtoJamie - I was referring to active members on the MOTH site only (did not mean to infer that there were other MOTH members visting Fluwiki frequently; but who knows there just might be!).
It has been awhile since our family has done any posting/purusing of the MOTH site, but when were more more frequent visitors, we noted that the folks there tend to really get behind causes they believe in. Might be worth posting there and stirring up the pot a bit. I for one would feel much more comfortable in the city knowing that a good number of neighbors, especially those with children, were aware on the pandemic threat and were taking steps within their own family, among their circle of friends and those living on their own street/block, to be prepared should the unthinkable occur.
I’ve also tried to get the Hill Rag to publish an article on preparedness - even gave them the full text for an article. They liked the idea, but have never responded to let me know if/when such an article would appear. Couldn’t hurt to get a number of concerned hill residents requesting something of the sort to help push them a bit.
DK — I just posted a test post on pandemic issues on MOTH — basically asking for feedback. Will let you know what I find out.
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Manassas City VA here
Are you talking about the Smithsonian or the National Museum of Health and Medicine? It sounds like you are talking about the NMHM. Anyhow, the NMHM is part of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, i.e. the place where Dr. Taubenberger did his research.
bumping bumping this one too - looking for more in the no va area wanting to discuss issues/prepping/potential issues of this area.
amak - Prince William here
Should we try to set something up somewhere? Say a group of us gather at a Silver Diner or something?
momto Jamie,
I’m game.
I have the directional ability of a rock, but if it isnt too far, I can probably find my way there. Let me know what you finally decide.
OBTW - Today, the Culpeper Citizen published a 1000 word Letter to the Editor that I wrote about the Rappahannock-Rapidan BF Summit. The only part they cut was about informational websites and getting the population to start prepping! Whodathunkit?
I have wondered if the northern part of the state would have more folks interested in prepping… I think that here in the south-central part of the state folks believe themselves too removed from “the bad things that happen in the big cities”. Many years ago our city planners refused to have an interstate come through (despite 5 colleges/universities in and around the city)in attempt to keep negative influences away. From conversations I have (or don’t have) it appears folks here don’t think a pandemic would get here either I guess they think that what with no interstate it could not travel efficiently. Just like those street gangs that are not really here because we are not on a major interstate….
So where should we meet? Northern Virginia? Is there interest in more than one locale (I have no idea how many of us there are.)? Arlington? Further south? Alexandria? Potomac Mills? Someone suggest something…
Manassas?
Where in Manassas? Rte 29 (or is it 28)? Some chain restaurant? Isn’t there a mostly new shopping center around there?
Many places depending on where you want to meet! I’m game if I can get it in my schedule.
That was me above
I like Casa Chimayo on 234 across from The Mall. They have a section where they can put a lot of tables together and you can have enough privacy to talk. They also have large booths here and there.
I’m game. Depending on when. And also as long as its a non-smoking place. Others? Other suggestions?
>pout,< I wanna come!!! Cumberland County here
bump for BB.
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The Maryland thread is also thinking of a meet at a restaurant. Would you fine folk from Va/DC be interested in a combined meeting? It looks as though there are enough of us combined to rent the whole restaurant. I wonder if they will do up a special preppers meal of rice and beans? ;)
All - I also would like to meet if possible. For me the Casa Chimayo on 234 across from the Mall is doable.
I would think some, if not most of us are in the working class so a couple of questions. Does anyone have a preference on evenings, afternoon’s, weekends? Any choices / suggestions on what time? Any other choices on where to meet? Once the meeting place is decided how can we make it so folks who may want to drive (i.e. Carrey in VA) can also attend? Maybe a map and a time convenient to allowing folk’s who may have a way to drive to attend?
Just some thoughts – please add or delete as you all see fit.
I think it would be great to meet, talk, exchange ideas, voice concerns and develop solutions to problems and just compare notes.
Im pretty much available any time, any day, with enough time to plan. Directions to Casa are simple - from the south and west: Rt 66 east toward DC. Get off at Rt. 234 Manassas exit toward Olde Towne. Restaurant right across from Manassas Mall. Big yellow sign. Im sure there is an easy way from 95 too, but I dont know what it is off the top of my head. Mapquest will have directions too. I can get address and phone number if this is where we finally decide to go.
Just a thought, though, for a combined meeting. Manassas is over an hour from my place in Culpeper, and I consider that regular commuting distance. For Maryland or further south/west in VA, it will be quite a trek.
Probably the best restaurant (quality of food, ambiance, uniqueness) that I have EVER been to is The 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 5240 Paint. Branch Parkway, College Park MD. Styled after a WW1 French airbase, and sits at the end of the runway for a little used airport adjacent to College Park. Best food I’ve ever tasted! Great outdoor area for chatting after the meal. And only 3 hrs away for us DelMarVans!
Question: how is parking at the Casa Chimayo? I drive a rather large truck, will I be able to park there?
My 4-door dually has been there many times. If you’re coming in anything bigger, there is a shopping center parking lot just about next door.
Your both bigger than my little crew cab 4×4 F150…
So it looks like Casa Chimayo in Mannassess may be a central point to meet - any ideas as to what day? My guess would be a Saturday morning - that way we would not interfere with Sunday church services, etc. for those who attend.
Taking into account travel time, etc. would a 10 AM time be good for all?
Maybe the 22nd or 29th?
Anyone else interested?
As always open for suggestions.
Could we make it a wee bit later than 10 AM, it’s a 3˝ hour ride for us, and I HATE getting up before the sun on a Saturday.
Glad my truck will fit!
Is there any shade along the edge of the parking lot (sounds like a strange question, but two of my dogs like to travel with me, they are part of my business.)
When a date/time is decided, I want to try to make it there too.
How many are expected?
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No shade anywhere - dont recommend bringing dogs. It’s hotter’n the hinges of He!! around here.
And I doubt if Casa even opens before 1100. Can we plan on having lunch, say show up at 1130 or so? When we get a day picked out (and Saturdays are fine with me), maybe we can get some idea of the number and I can call and make a reservation to make sure of the space and the front area. That will also help the restaurant to make sure they have enuf staff on hand for serving.
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OK - So far we have:
The meeting place - Casa Chimayo in Mannassess. The meeting time - 11:30 - 12:00 Attendees - myself, Saddle Tramp, Strider, Amak
And a date of - July 29 ????????? Does this give everyone the time to get this on their schedules?
Ouch a 3 hour drive. Don’t know if I’m up for that. Anyone closer to me wanna get together? I’m in Cumberland, but go to Richmond monthly to do my Sams Club shopping.
July 29 is fine for me. Pass the word to your friends and family to see if anyone else wants to tag along. Im going to set up another thread inviting the fluwikie, so direct everyone there and be sure to bump it regularly. Thanks.
Rats. You’ll have to meet without me as I have a wedding that day. Will look forward to hearing how it went and we’ll have to plan another time to get together as well.
SaddleTramp -
I saw your letter in the Culpeper paper… I also read it in the Rappahannock News…. Been a while since I’ve read anything of yours there…. Well done! Reminded me of the “old days”…
I’ve got a family reunion that weekend.
No one cared what the date was when we picked the 29th. It was just a starting point, really. If another Saturday works better for you all, plz go to the party thread and let us know what you’d prefer. This is important. We’d like to work out something that gets the most of us together.
And we’d REALLY like to have the meet happen before the beginning of flu season. I’d hate to be at a FW meet on the wrong side of the bridge (as much as I wouold like to come) when TPTB suddenly decided to close the Bay bridge “for our protection.” I don’t think I am up to swimming the Bay to get home, especially with a full stomach from the party., and my DW clinging on my back.
Central Fairfax here.
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Just to let you know, I doubt if I will be able to make anything in August or September - lots of family obligations -so if there is a location for the rest of you that is better than Manassas, feel free to change it.
However, if you decide to go ahead with Manassas, the telephone number for Casa Chimayo is 703–369–2523. The address is 8209 Sudley Road, Manassas, Va. To get onto Sudley from Rt. 66, take the exit into town (NOT THE BATTLEFIELD EXIT). That will put you right on Rt. 234, Sudley Rd, headed into Olde Towne. Casa is on the left, big yellow sign, directly across from the Manassas Mall Shopping Center (you can see Target).
Scout in Rappahannock - thanks for the kind words. I’m trying to get as much BF info into the local papers as I can, but it’s an uphill battle. We’ve moved to Culpeper (a stone’s throw from Commonwealth Park) and I do most of my newspaper writing for the Fauquier Times-Democrat; havent been on staff of the Rappahannock News since 1997, but I sent them a “Letter to the Editor,” along with ones to Madison, Culpeper, Fauquier, and Orange. I’m glad to hear that they picked it up.
It’s about time I did the rounds again….<g>
Shall we try to find another date again?
Libbyalex (aka MomtoJamie)
So anyone in the area…. what have you done regarding water collection? I have read about the tarps and barrels, etc, but have to admit that is one area I have done nothing. Figured there was better areas to spend the money in considering the lack of rain we’ve had here all summer. If we had to depend on rain water to save our lives in this area, we’re gonners! Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions here in the DC metro area?
I purchased this in the spring. Small footprint. Looks like a rain barrel. Supported on 4×4s (with a sheet of plastic between the wood and the barrel to prevent any ccm leach). It’s rated for freezing temps. It’s kind of expensive, but the prospect of having no water or dealing with storage of bottles etc. made this purchase an easy decision.
I also have a MIOX filter and about 100 USCG H2O packs for high speed needs.
http://www.tank-depot.com/productdetails.aspx?part=TC3158IW-GREEN
amak — I’ve been stymied about that too. I have several kiddie pools that I thought I would put out in our yard. Also, an unused trash can on wheels to put under a spout and any misc water containers I could get in the event of a downpour.
I also have a couple of tarps and hope to get a couple more…
I bought a 400 gallon water tank from Tractor Supply. It can be transported on the rear of a pickup truck. Have acquired sufficient fuel for our generator to pump water for several months and am also in the process of having a hand-pumped well installed. And finally, I’ve got cases of water and am collecting lots of plastic soda bottles - have several hundred at this point. All of this sounds like a lot until you consider that we use 1500 gallons of water a day.
I have LOTS & LOTS of water. Unfortionatly it leaves when the tide goes out ;)
SaddleTramp: Good to have you back. You use 1500 gallons a DAY? Sounds like a LOT of water. I like your idea of a hand-pumped well. How deep are you going?
I already have an open hand-dug well, the kind that has rocks lining it. Obviously dug quite a while ago and now full of frogs, snakes, and various dead things….
The water table there is about 3 feet down. I havent talked with a pro yet, but Im guessing that the new well should go in about the same place, and probably have to be drilled only about 20 feet or so. I dont know what the plan will be to make sure that the water table isnt contaminated by the dead things. Yuck.
We have 50+ horses, a herd of goats and miscellaneous creatures here in addition to the family. Yes, they drink a LOT of water.
I know there are probably tons of entries on water filters etc. I should get going on this - just too overwhelming to think about. So IF I can collect some rain water, what do I do with it then? My knowledge on filtration, water purification tablets etc is zilch. Anyone recommend anything - especially that may be local to avoid shipping?
S Arlington - what is this MIOX filter?
Hey Amak. If you look on the left side of the screen near the top you will see a link to “Forum Index”. Go there for THE BEST OF…wiki talks past and present. This is the section I spent my first 2 months lurking on before I started throwing in my two cents worth. Go down a bit and you will see several discussion threads about water. I hope this was helpful.
thanks OTFBL!!
Local weekly paper had 3 full page ads this week about pandamic flu—one on community involment; one on personal and one on business. All sponsored by VA Dept of Health and Lord Fairfax district.
Has this been in any other papers??
Yesterday on WTOP radio — an ad to the effect that WTOP is the local emergency radio station in case of disasters like Bird Flu, Terrorist attacks and storms. Bird Flu was first in their list….
I have heard that. There is another commercial on TOP about communications equipmnet/contracting. They hang their hat on bird flu and hurricanes. Interesting that they feel BF is threat enough and scary enough to advertise it to the general public.
ShenVal - what paper was that?
Page News & Courier Luray VA http://www.pagenewspaper.com
I’m actually not living in NOVA, but I was visiting my parents there today. They recieved a flier in the mail from the Virginia Dept of Health about pandemic influenza. It included the two week food and water recommendations (enough??).
I thought the fact that the State actually sent info in the mail was interesting.
West Virginia University did a study recently that asked DC commuters/residents what they would do in the event of a terrorist attack in DC. It seems they are all going to hit the road and head out. Neighboring states are worried about an exodus of thousands, if not millions, of people flooding out and looking for food and shelter. What do you think about this study of people’s reactions to disasters. There are some commenters on the bottom of the page. One looks like a prepper. An Extreme prepper.
http://tinyurl.com/qakut
We got the flyer too from the Va Dept of Health. I applaud them for getting this out - at least I heard a few people openly talking about this since then!
OTFBL — Just read the survey and comments. I liked the last comment — “something must be in the works…”
Anonymous at 13:19 is me. Libby
Amak: What did the flyer have to say? We didn’t get that down here.
Hi I have recently moved to the area and would like to connect. Did a gathering of people in the region happen or will happen…. what verb tense would apply???
senegal1 – First, welcome to the neighborhood. We have attempted to get together a couple of times but time, distance and scheduling have all seemed to put up road blocks keeping us from meeting - I’m hopeful that soon, read as ‘will happen’, one of our more organized counterparts will take the lead and figure out where and when at least some of us can get together. Always open for suggestions…
Thom: Thanks for the above response. I will then hold our first meeting in the Great Falls Library in the meeting room on October 21st at 12–4PM (although we don`t have to go on that long). This meeting is in the Washington DC metro area. I will provide refershments and I sure hope someone will come! Here is the address: Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. The website for the library is http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/gf/
The website for the county plans for pandemic flu is http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/pandemicflu/ I think I should ask Fairfax county officials or Great Falls officials to come. Any opinions? Anyone coming??????? Please!
Senegal1, sounds great! I will be there. (I live in the Alexandria/Arlington area.)
Great at least there will be two of us now! Anyone else?????
Senegal1 – Thanks for stepping up and taking the lead. I’m down in PW county and although I can’t promise I will make every attempt to make it also, all I have to do is figure out where Great Falls is. Mapquest here I come…
Great Falls near Sterling, Herndon, Reston… Would love to see you here. We can rotate places next time….
I’ll try to come too, if I can figure out childcare. I’m in DC. — Libby
Great now there might be four of us! Its a start!
senegal1, I am also going to try and make it. A day trip to Great Falls in the Autumn sounds like I should be there. I’m going to bring my hiking boots.
Pencil me in, work permitting
3 hour drive for me, I might be able to talk hubby into it.
I may be able to come cos I have to be in DC on 23rd Oct.
Is this a social get-together or are you inviting officials for specific purposes? Those 2 objectives may have some incompatibilities that need to be worked out ahead of time. Just saying. :-)
OK so that is six so far. Please do come and don`t think at the last minute its too far! I promise good food and a nice hike afterward!
About the officials vs social thing…. well this is a seat of the pants wing it. I talked to someone from the Great Falls Citizens Association today. They have committes for trails, the vision for Great Falls 2020, ect but no one had mentioned bird Flu according to the guy I talked to today. His thought was that it was something that needed to be fought globally but didn`t think there was much he could do about personally and his wife works at NIH!
I think what I will do is see if I can find people from Great Falls to come but ask them to come at 2PM instead of 12. That way we have some time to chat and get to know one another. I was going to start putting out infomation on Tue to Great Falls and I am sure I will get lots of funny looks…my idea was to raise awareness. What do you all think? I am willing to hear any strong objections…
Also I signed up for this conference (below) and if anyone else can go that would be good too. If you talk with you boss (and your boss is nice) you might be able to talk about it as a work issue — business continutiy for example. Planning for Bird Flu helps planning for any type of disaster.
Here is the conference — this if off the main page of Flu Wikie and its in our neighborhood!
Roundtable Workshop 18: Citizen Engagement in Emergency Planning for a Flu Pandemic
Sponsored by the Disasters Roundtable; and the Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Institute of Medicine (IOM)
Monday, October 23, 2006 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Keck Center - Room 100 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Register
Overview: Drawing from research and practical experience, participants at this workshop will discuss the need and opportunity for citizen involvement in preparedness planning for a potential flu pandemic; a growing concern among scientists, public health officials, as well as private sector decision makers. This concern has emerged with the appearance of avian flu in countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe and the possibility that this could evolve into a pandemic and become an unprecedented threat to populations throughout the world, including in the United States.
Preliminary Agenda
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction to the Workshop William H. Hooke, American Meteorological Society, and Chair, Disasters Roundtable
9:10 a.m. Session I: Why Worry About Pandemic Flu?
What Would a Modern Day Flu Pandemic Look Like? Eric Toner, Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburg Medical Center National Plans for Confronting a Pandemic Flu Bruce Gellin, National Vaccine Program Office, Department of Health and Human Services Local Expectations and Readiness for Pandemic Flu Joshua Sharfstein, Department of Health, Baltimore Moderator: William H. Hooke, American Meteorological Society
10:10 a.m. Questions and Discussion
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Session II: Why Government and Health Professionals Cannot Go It Alone in a Large-Scale Health Crisis
Public Resistance or Cooperation? A Tale of Smallpox in Two Cities Judith W. Leavitt, School of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison Street Science: Why Public Health Professionals Need the Public Jason Corburn, Columbia University Where the HIV/AIDS Pandemic Would Be Without Citizen-Activists Susan Chu, Flu Wiki Moderator: Rose Marie Martinez, Board on Population Health & Public Health Practice, IOM
11:45 a.m. Questions and Discussion
12:15 p.m. Lunch (cafeteria available on 3rd floor)
1:15 p.m. Session III: When Does Citizen Engagement Work Best? Lessons Learned from Research and Experience
Citizen Consultations in Setting National Public Health Priorities Natasha Manji, Public Health Agency of Canada (Invited) Involving Citizens and Stakeholders in Select Vaccine Policy Decisions Kathleen R. Stratton, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, IOM State of the Art Knowledge on Public Involvement Gail Bingham, RESOLVE, Inc. (Invited) Moderator: Havidán Rodriguez, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware
2:15 p.m. Questions and Discussion
2:40 p.m. Break
2:55 p.m. Session IV: Roundtable Panel Discussion - How Can Some Citizens Help When Hospitals Must Turn Some People Away in a Pandemic?
Gabor Kelen, Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Randy Rowel, School of Public Health and Policy, Morgan State University Darlene Sparks Washington, Disease Prevention Education, American Red Cross Ernest Blackwelder, Business Executives for National Security (Invited)Moderator: Monica Schoch-Spana, Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 4:00 p.m. Questions and Discussion
4:25 p.m. Concluding Remarks
William H. Hooke, American Meteorological Society, and Chair, Disasters Roundtable
4:30 p.m. Adjourn
Attendance for this workshop is free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
Updated Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:45 pm
You can see my name Susan Chu on the panel. The topic is not HIV as this is the preliminary draft that they have not corrected. I’m proposing “Who will tell the people? Pandemic risk communication in the internet age.” that’s why I will be in the DC area. I don’t know if I can get to great falls by 12noon as I have a long drive from Mass, having probably finished 2 other presentations then. So it will be pretty hectic but I’m rather excited. Right now I’m giving myself some quiet time and not posting as much research-intensive pieces on the forum, but gathering my thoughts. Y’all need to know that this is very new to me and I have not ever spoken to such distinguished audience so I’m reading a lot of policy documents for background so I can make a coherent case for leaders to come out publicly in risk communication as well as supporting citizen engagement. Thanks for arranging for the meeting. I would still caution about inviting local officials unless you have a very clear idea on the points that you want to make. Maybe we can have informal snacks, get-to-know-each other hour, then sit down for a couple of topics of discussion, then break off for informal talks and networking and generally exchanging ideas. If that is acceptable to you, you may need to carefully frame at least for yourself what exactly you are trying to achieve with the local officials. Unless they are personal friends, you really have only 1 shot in gaining their confidence and co-operation. \plus if they are outnumbered by fluwikians it may turn out to be an uncomfortable experience for them if they feel that their authority is challenged. it may work a little better as just a prelimiary exploration of ideas so as not to get their backs up.
I shoudl sleep, can’t type.
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Ok thanks guys for the bump. I think I will post this on its own thread too with a clearer title if I can figure out how. Anon 22 good post. I will probably post some info and invite people to the meeting but at 2PM not at 12 when we Fluwikians hope to meet. How does that sound to people? Or I can save it for another day when you all aren`t here. By the way Anon 22 Great Falls is before you hit DC and if you stop to meet with us all, I can help you get to your hotel as well as feed you and others. Do you need a place to stay? Folks check my profile for something about me and my e-mail.
I’m either going to be driving from Mass and NJ or flying into Dulles, from where I can take a cab.
Assuming you are the anon 22 in the profiles I will email you. Post here again if you don`t get my email.
Don`t forget our meeting at the Great Falls Library in Great Falls Virginia in the meeting room on October 21st at 12–4PM (although we don`t have to go on that long). We as a community really need to discuss each of our county`s plans and what we are doing ourselves. PLEASE COME!
This meeting is in the Washington DC metro area and is pretty easy to get to.
From Maryland take 495 outer loop to the Cabin John Bridge stay in the right hand lane and take the Georgetown Pike/RT 193 Exit. Drive up Georgetown Pike away from the beltway (West) for about 15 minutes and you are there.
From VA: take 495 to inner loop to Georgetown Pike/RT 193 Exit (right before crossing the Potomac River). Drive West up Georgetown Pike crossing over the beltway and drive for about 15 minutes and you are there.
I will provide refershments and I sure hope some of you will come! Here is the address: Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. The website for the library is http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/gf/
On all the threads for VA, MD, and DC I count over 50 different names for people in the area. So far for Oct 21st, I have possibles from Thom, LMWatBullRun, libbyalex, Carrey, Chesapeake, LizJ, Average Concerned Mom, and Anon 22 — also maybe Amak. I am sure there are some lurkers as well. I welcome you all and I am sure we will have good discussions! This meeting is particularly important as we hope to gain input for policy makers for the conference on Oct 25th.
Is there a more current VA thread somewhere?
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