Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Being Reauthorized?
According to The Hill, the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) is currently in the process of being reauthorized, pending the normal negotiation that needs to happen within political circles. But if it does actually become reinstated, it will be great news from a disaster preparedness perspective.
What is the All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA)?
PAHPA was created in 2006 on the heels of Hurricane Katrina, to help formalize the coordination of the emergency preparedness and first responder resources that are required in the aftermath of major disasters. Events that would trigger action under the Act include system hacking, severe weather, nuclear attacks, terrorism, and everything in between. Three of the more critical items associated with the PAHPA mission include:
- Stockpiling medicines, diagnostic test equipment, and vaccines to prepare for pandemics.
- Increasing strategies & tactics to battle influenza outbreaks by focusing on preventative measures like widespread vaccination protocols.
- Fortification of healthcare systems to accommodate influxes or patients during emergencies.
Check out the article from The Hill for more detailed information.
As you can see, the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act is an important element to our country’ s emergency preparedness efforts. And reinstitution of this important Act will help utilities as well, because let’s face it, anything that addresses emergency planning its beneficial, no matter how indirect the connection is.
Will the PAHPA come to fruition? Only time will tell, but it looks like it’s getting close.
