Like many other disasters, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 seemingly came out of nowhere, on a picture-perfect day under clear, blue skies.
With that sobering tragedy in mind, the Clark County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Clark Regional Services Agency will present its Strive to Survive Disaster Business Resilience Workshop at the Vancouver Hilton from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.
The free workshop will host geologists, public health and safety officials and business disaster planning specialists who will discuss earthquakes, the threat of pandemics such as swine flu and other hazards that may affect Southwest Washington businesses and their workers.
While it isn't the intent of organizers to alarm workshop participants, the day's activities will focus on preparing for disasters that may disrupt business activities in the region – at least one of which could occur as soon as this flu season. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a swine flu epidemic could result in absenteeism rates as high as 40 percent, potentially leaving some businesses without workers.
Online registration, along with additional information about the workshop, is available at www.cresa911.org. The registration deadline is Sept. 8.
