CWR Security Focus – October 2009
By John Enright
John Enright, Former U.S. Secret Service Agent
You might be wondering why the Security Focus Column would be talking about the H1N1 virus. Any disease breakout on a college campus or in any organization for that matter will have a dramatic effect on security and cause security departments and officials to employ different tactics in responding to the threat and maintaining order on campus. Anytime an organization undergoes a crisis, security is usually at the center of managing the crisis with the subject matter experts, senior executives and emergency response personnel. With that in mind I think now is a good time to speak briefly with students regarding their responsibility when addressing the threat of H1N1.
Most colleges across the country have developed plans to deal with any outbreak of the virus even if it only reaches a few students. University health departments have made arrangements to receive students who have been diagnosed with the virus and have established policies and procedures for treatment of students as well as limiting the spread of the virus to other students. This month H1N1 vaccinations are being distributed to colleges and universities across the country because students are in the age group of those most vulnerable to the disease. Institutions will be challenged to insure that their student populations receive the vaccine and to also effectively manage any student(s) who come down with the disease.
The success of each institution to respond effectively to the H1N1 virus will be dependent on how the student population will conduct themselves before and during the occurrence of an H1N1 outbreak. Students therefore have a significant responsibility in following the policies and directives established by the institutions and to insure that they remain vigilant in staying abreast of the latest information provided by their school.
Students across the country have already started to come down with the virus and institutions are responding aggressively with treatment and protocols to halt the spread of the H1N1. To assist in stopping the spread of the virus, students must act responsibly and do their part to assist the university in responding to this threat. The following is a checklist of sorts for students to utilize as a reminder as we approach the upcoming critical months predicted to have the highest rate of exposure to the H1N1 strain:
- Make a point of knowing and understanding your institution’s plan for preventing the spread of H1N1 and how the institution will respond if there is an outbreak.
- Regularly check college websites for updated information and instructions on the H1N1 virus.
- Regularly wash hands during the day and have a supply of personal Purell soap dispensers readily available.
- Once the vaccine becomes available, insure that you and your circle of friends receive your vaccination.
- Strictly adhere to communications and directions provided by the college regarding isolation of students with the virus or those being tested for it.
- Quickly address any symptoms you may have that are similar to those described for H1N1 by visiting the campus health facility as soon as possible.
- Insist that your friends and dorm mates who also may have similar symptoms also visit campus health facilities to be tested and treated.
- If infected, do not take chances in exposing other students by socializing too soon after being infected.
The next few months could be very trying for colleges and universities around the globe. Students on college campuses in every region can and will play an important role in the successful response of our nation to combat the spread of the H1N1 virus.
About John Enright: John J. Enright is a retired United States Secret Service Agent in charge and now the President of Enright & Associates, Inc., a global security management and investigations firm.
CWR Security Focus 