Springfield chapter prepares for the flu season

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (11/06/09)--The Springfield (Mo.) Chapter of Credit Unions met Oct. 30 for its fall breakfast to discuss the fears of H1N1 and a severe pandemic flu season, which are dominating news coverage in Missouri.

Brent Davis (standing) of Postal Federal Community CU shares his flu season disaster-recovery plan with members of the Springfield (Mo.) Chapter of Credit Unions. (Photo provided by the Missouri Credit Union Association)

Brent Davis, internal audit officer at Postal Federal Community CU, Springfield, shared the credit union's pandemic flu disaster recovery plan with the group, according to the Missouri Credit Union Association (MCUA) (The Missouri difference Nov. 4).

Davis advised attendees to be informed, take preventative measures, communicate with staff, and expect increased staff absenteeism.

"This is a level-headed and measured approach that will remove confusion and fear to allow your credit union to continue providing great member service. Now, go wash your hands," he said.

MCUA encouraged its member credit unions to implement these precautions to help stop the flu from spreading:

• Provide hand sanitizers in the office, especially on the front lines where tellers interact frequently with the public;

• Encourage ill employees to stay home if they have flu-like symptoms;

• Offer reimbursements to employees who get the flu vaccine; and

• Send employees information on how to prevent the flu. MCUA provided a sample brochure.

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