Pandemic Alert Plans

This plan is a part of the Pratt Institute’s overall Emergency Preparedness Plan. The plan is intended to help guide the Pratt Institute Community of students, faculty and staff with decision making. This plan should be considered supplementary information to that issued by the national CDC, plus regional and governmental health authorities. The plan attempts to align with present guidelines; however changing international, national, regional or local situations may create the need for changes.

Community Operations and Decision Making

Because of the possibility of a pandemic, Pratt Institute may operate during AY 2009/10 under 5 different Pandemic Alert Levels (Levels 0 to Level 4). As of September 8, 2009 the Institute is at Alert Level 0. Any changes in Institute Alert Levels will be communicated through our Emergency Alert System and posted on our web site.

The decision to change Levels will be made jointly by the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Vice President of Finance and Administration, and the Provost. They will receive recommendations from a “Pratt Alert Team”. Composition of the “Alert Team” and some of the factors that will be considered can be found in Appendix A.

Alert Level Definitions

Pratt’s five possible alert levels - in order of increasing impact - are:

• Level 0 Levels of infection are low and similar to normal national levels, however the treat of a pandemic exists which might have an impact on our community.
• Level 1 Levels of infection are rising nationally, regionally, and/or within our community above previous levels.
• Level 2 Level of infection is significant and indicates reductions in operations are warranted.
• Level 3 Level of infection is high and Pratt Institute maintains only skeletal operations.
• Level 4 Level of infection is severe and the Pratt Campuses are closed.