Posted on 05/10/2007 8:37:52 AM PDT by Gritty
WASHINGTON
Military and civilian health facilities will be overwhelmed if a nationwide flu pandemic hits the United States, and the National Guard may have to be called out to provide medical help and even enforce a quarantine, the Defense Department warned in a report released Wednesday.
As the Pentagon fights criticism from congressional Democrats that the war in Iraq is depleting the National Guard's ability to help out in domestic crises, the 86-page report says a possible pandemic could require National Guard assistance in supplying medical aid or isolating groups of people to minimize further spread of the disease.
About 3 million people could die as a result of a possible pandemic, with up to 35 percent of the population falling ill, reads the report dated August 2006 and titled "The Department of Defense Implementation Plan for Pandemic Influenza."
According to the report, in the event of a pandemic or a bioterror attack, the Defense Department may be called by the president to assist civilian authorities in minimizing the spread of disease by placing restrictions on interstate transportation. Jurisdictions, the report adds, would be overwhelmed and unable to provide essential commodities and services. In addition, the nation will not be able to rely on airlines.
*snip*
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Sensible comment, Badeye.
(((hugs)))GrannyK
Yep that's all we do.
Putz...
L
Very interesting that the term “3 million people” (in the US) is used instead of 3 million Americans. JMO but the illegals are going to be hit the hardest. I say protect them - send them all home and we will all be better off.
I'm old enough to remember the "duck and cover" drills we used to go through back in school in the 60's. The civil defense siren would go off and we would have to duck under our desks and clasp our hands behind our heads - all in preperation, I guess, for a possible nuclear attack.
During quarantine when I was a child, the National Guard was not necessary to enforce it. Why is it necessary to call it in during a quarantine now? Something is rotten and it isn’t only in Denmark.
There is consensus among folks who specialize in Health Care that a pandemic is coming.
What pikers.
I mean, what if the Earth got hit by a thousand large meteors and billions of people were killed and thousands of cities and town were destroyed. What would we do then?
If you’re gonna play ‘what if’, at least think big.
“I’m old enough to remember the “duck and cover” drills we used to go through back in school in the 60’s. The civil defense siren would go off and we would have to duck under our desks and clasp our hands behind our heads - all in preperation, I guess, for a possible nuclear attack.”
It should still be taught, and it is taught in the military.
If you see a nuclear flash, duck and cover, or in our modern schools I guess you can just walk to the windows and watch.
Right. And no one has been killed by a terrorist in this Country for years. I guess we can all stop worrying and just feeeeeel good.
I personally experienced the Hurricane Rita clusterf**k that ensued when lots of stupid people rushed to leave Houston with nary a water bottle or sandwich. How many of them have a two month supply of non-perishable food and the means to cook it right now? In the event of a pandemic those same bozos will be out scrounging for food and disposable diapers while spreading a deadly bug. For those who doubt every warning I confidently predict that there WILL BE A PANDEMIC SOMEDAY. I am prepared to survive it.
(snicker)
The unchurched and the undisciplined = chaos. Thank you, public schools, wimpy parents and Dr. Benjamin Spock.
Emergency guys had a train/gasoline truck collision rehearsal last week. That they can handle. 180 simulated injuries.
New Orleans, you're on your own.
We did that in the 50s, too. ‘If there is a blinding flash, curl up under your desk with your back to the windows.’ At the same time the town was an evacuation center as if we could absorb the population of the big city.
Here's a free clue. You're pretty much always on your own.
Don't ever believe anyone who tells you differently. They're either lying or selling something.
L
That is a fact of truth. Know it well having worked with Emergency guys on their major disaster drills many times over the years.
I loved “Outbreak”. A great movie.
But at the same time, it kinda scared me too, thinking that something like that could happen here.
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