Q: Should people keep some cash at home for purchases during an outbreak?

A: Yes, having cash is always a good plan for any type of emergency. Planning for an "all hazards" type of emergency will assure that you are more prepared for anything that may come our way.

Q: What are the plans for the potential of highway or other street closures in an emergency?

A: Street closures, quarantine or curfews are reasons to have an emergency kit with food and supplies available. Predicting road closures is impossible, but answers to which roads may be closed can be obtained from the following agencies: FL Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol and 511 Central Florida Travel Information.

Q: Can our birds that we keep as pets get the Avian Flu?

A: It would be very difficult for a caged bird to come down with the Avian Flu virus. Birds kept in fields or aviaries would be susceptible. There is currently no way to protect birds from the Avian Flu virus.

Q: I have heard many statements about "if" and "when" the Avian Flu comes to Florida. While no one can predict the future, when could we realistically expect the Avian Flu virus to actually be a threat?

A: First of all, remember that the Avian Flu virus only affects birds and it is not a human form of the Avian Flu virus. While no one can predict the future, we must base our planning on potential threats and hope they never happen. Estimates are, if the Avian Flu virus continues, it will hit the United States this year. No one really knows how far into the US it would spread, all we can do is brace for it and prepare to react until an antiviral for humans and maybe even birds can be found.

Q: Along with preparedness manuals, will there be any educational manuals for children?

A: We are encouraging schools to provide education to the children and relying on parents to teach their children proper hygiene techniques (like the one describe in this website).

Q: What will happen if there is an outbreak in Orange County and a major Hurricane is approaching? Where will the people go?

A: As with any Hurricane, unless you live in a flood prone area or mobile home it is always better to shelter in place (your home). Orange County does offer Special Needs Shelters to those who have medical issues requiring care or special attention. The Red Cross offers shelters to the general population.

If an outbreak occurred at the same time as a Hurricane, we would be very challenged. In Orange County, plans are in place to supplement workers with assistance from local, regional, state and federal agencies.

Q: What is the funeral industry doing in terms of preparedness?

A: Florida has a consortium of funeral directors throughout the state that come together in times of crises to provide assistance for each other.

Q: How would an outbreak impact public transportation?

A: We anticipate fewer routes than normal; at the same time we anticipate fewer riders as well. Public transportation has plans in place to serve the routes that provide the greatest service to the greatest number of riders.

Q: What kind of Personal Protective Equipment will be made available to the public?

A: At this time there are no plans for the distribution of PPE. We recommend social distancing and good hygiene techniques. This is your best protection.

Q: Will we have to stay home from work or school?

A: Schools may shut their doors temporarily to prevent the spread of an infection. As for businesses unless a quarantine or isolation areas are established, commerce would continue. This would be no different than when we slowed down for the Hurricanes in 2004.

Q: What agencies are involved in the recovery/grief process of a high death rate?

A: There are many agencies both public and private from local, regional, state and federal levels involved and working together for this purpose.

Q: What is being done in order to address the need for additional medical professionals (volunteers)?

A: Medical professionals can volunteer through the Department of Health when they renew their licenses or during a disaster through the same agency. Volunteers are encouraged to participate early by getting trained through the Red Cross, Salvation Army etc.

Q: If a major outbreak occurs, why not mandate individuals to wear gloves and institute a no handshake policy?

A: Gloves are no guarantee the virus would not spread. Frequent handwashing is the best method by far. A no handshake policy would be an individual decision.

Q: What type of coordination with surrounding counties is occurring?

A: Orange County continually works with all the surrounding counties, as well as the State and Federal agencies to coordinate efforts.

Q: Are there any plans being formulated or currently in place to conduct further educational summits throughout Orange County?

A: Yes: keep checking this website for further information. We are putting together smaller workshops and will provide more information as it becomes available.