CUNA Mutual Issues Flu Alert Warning

The nation’s heightened attention to flu outbreaks prompted a new reminder from CUNA Mutual Group about disaster preparation. In its latest alert notice, CUNA Mutual said “unlike other disaster scenarios where loss of equipment, systems or facilities may be the most significant challenge, responding to a pandemic flu centers on your employees’ ability to perform their duties.” The insurer cited statistics from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta reporting the number of H1N1 cases increasing with the virus “thought to be spread in the same manner as seasonal flu-person-to-person when those with influenza cough or sneeze” also being spread by “touching objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth or nose.” In a 12-item checklist, the insurer recommended various steps policy holders should be taking now such as “determining the impact that long-term illnesses could have on operations, identifying critical functions and employees needed to continue core operations by branch” and designation of an individual “to assist in answering employee questions.” The notice also cited the need to “obtain and display educational posters and materials from the CDC in employee areas.”