# 2177
THIS IS AN EXERCISE. IT IS NOT REAL.
The Southeastern District Health Department of Idaho continues their online pandemic exercise with the introduction of absenteeism induced supply chain and utilities disruptions.
July 25: Pandemic Flu Disrupts Utilities and Supply Chains
July 25, 2008
THIS IS AN EXERCISE. IT IS NOT REAL.
The shortage of workers caused by sickness and absenteeism has created significant disruption of supply chains and availability of utilities.
Workers are not available to drive trucks or repair trucks, so supplies are not getting to their needed locations. Gas tanks are empty. Grocery stores are empty. Repair parts are not available. Mail is not being delivered on a daily basis. ATMs are empty of cash.
Workers are not available to operate and maintain the country’s infrastructure. Some areas may not have not had electricity for several days because a wind storm knocked down power lines, and there is nobody available to fix the lines. Pump stations on natural gas lines may need repair to continue pumping gas to homes and business. Sewers could be backing up with very few people to alleviate the problems. Telephone lines may have been knocked down but not repaired in the same windstorm that knocked down the power lines. Internet services dependent on central servers may need maintenance that is not available, so internet access is limited.
The above scenario is a possibility during pandemic flu. However, with proper planning on the part of Critical Resources and Key Infrastructure, the percentage of probability can be reduced. The Department of Homeland Security has published national guidelines for Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CI/KR). If you are in the utility business or provide key resources such as gasoline or groceries, this document should be considered a “must read.”
