Document Actions
The FBIIC/FSSCC Pandemic Flu Exercise of 2007: After Action Report
Title: The FBIIC/FSSCC Pandemic Flu Exercise of 2007: After Action Report
Date: January 2008
Author: Staff
Institution: U.S. Financial Services
Bibliographic Entry: “The FBIIC/FSSCC Pandemic Flu Exercise of 2007: After Action Report.” U.S. Financial Services. Sector Results. January 2008. Accessed at: http://www.treasury.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution/cip/pdf/pandemic-flu-report-012008.pdf
Electronic Link: http://www.treasury.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution/cip/pdf/pandemic-flu-report-012008.pdf
Key Words: pandemic flu, disaster preparedness, table top programs, communication, financial sector, interdependency
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
In September 2007, a 3-week voluntary table-top exercise simulating pandemic flu took place with more than 2700 U.S. financial organizations participating. Its purpose was to give these companies and organizations a chance to test their preparedness plans against a life-like pandemic scenario and assess strengths and weaknesses from it. All aspects of a pandemic were covered, from employee absenteeism to infrastructure degradation.
With each company varying in size and focus, strategies for surviving a pandemic with minimal business interruption differs. Results from this study showed that most companies wanted to use telecommuting to manage human resources in a crisis. Another widely spoken about component for planning is communications between clients and employees.
Interdependency was a key issue spoken about at the exercise. Regardless of size, companies depend on other sectors for success, which may cause problems if a pandemic flu hits. Transportation systems and electricity companies may be affected.
Results from the exercise showed that 99 percent of all participants felt that the experience “met its objectives and was useful in assessing their pandemic planning needs.” On the whole, the financial sector’s approach to preparedness planning for pandemic flu consist of a “layered approach” that include approaches such as social distancing, telecommuting, cross-training, communication to employees and customers, distribution of PPE, and arrangements with special providers.
Name of Researcher: Jennifer Davis
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: February 1, 2008