February 20, 2007

Utilities across the country have business continuity plans in place for a number of emergencies — from tornadoes to earthquakes — to deal with natural disasters that would affect their infrastructure. But how do you prepare for an emergency the likes of an influenza pandemic that also could affect up to 40 percent of your work force?

Barbara Hawkins, Manager, Corporate Health & Safety, addressed this scenario in the December issue of Business Finance magazine, in an article entitled "A Best Case Scenario for Pandemic Planning."

In the article, Hawkins discusses E.ON U.S.’s measures to prepare for a possible influenza pandemic:

• A Pandemic Crisis Management Team is developing a corporate-wide plan to support business continuity.
• The company participated in the Governor’s Statewide Pandemic Planning Summit and local planning.
• Local health departments have included E.ON U.S. employees and day-to-day contractors for priority vaccine/medication administration.
• Business Continuity Plans have been updated incorporating pandemic planning.
• Flu/disease prevention and education are being reinforced; seasonal flu vaccine is administered companywide.
• Safety training on flu/disease prevention is being conducted company-wide.

"This is a situation that can be hard to wrap your head around, because it's not an event that is going to take place at an exact date or time of the year, such as Y2K or storm season," said Hawkins. "You must explore a number of 'what if' scenarios. In the case of a pandemic, large numbers of your work force will be out, either due to illness or caring for a sick loved one. You have to be prepared for the effect it will have on your human resources."

E.ON U.S.'s Pandemic Crisis Management Team consists of employees from all lines of business. They have been tasked with enhancing the company’s current business continuity plans in the face of a possible pandemic. From Restoration to Supply Chain, HR to Customer Service, all areas are being addressed.

"As a gas and electric utility, we are an essential community service provider. We have to be up and running, so advanced planning and preparation are key," said Hawkins.