UMA.ORG - United Motorcoach Association

UMA Affiliations

Security and Emergency Preparedness Updates

UMA members are encouraged to be prepared for emergencies that may impact our industry (hurricanes, pandemic flu, terrorism) and the Security and Emergencies Preparedness Update page will be a centralized source of information for our members.

As we ready our equipment for the return of school, Friday night football games and fall foliage peepers, nature is providing a new wrinkle and one which every bus and motorcoach company should be aware and prepared…swine flu, better known to health officials as H1N1 flu.

The appearance of the H1N1 virus last spring tapered off as schools broke for the summer vacations but early indications from students already returning to school see the virus once again rising. Student age populations appear to be the most likely to contract the virus, likely due to the concentration of students in one location.

Drivers should likely take extra caution and routinely wash their hands and have hand sanitizer nearby and follow guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control as well as their personal physician’s advise.

The United Motorcoach Association urges operators to monitor local, state and federal news pertaining to the H1N1 flu closely and periodically confirm reservations to avoid last minute cancellations.

UMA will continue to monitor the changing impact of the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and will be providing operators with updates and information on pertinent information.

Below are resources to help keep you informed on the latest news about the Swine Flu.

Disinfect Your Coaches - the H1N1 Flu is transmitted like any other flu virus and can survive for up to a couple of hours on hard surfices like hand rails and lavatory handles. Use a disinfectant (like Lysol cleaner) to wipe down these surfices as often as is plausable. Providing extra hand sanitizer (alcohol based like Purel) in the lavatories and distributing individual packaged sanitizing wipes to passengers can also aid not only prevention of transmission, but can also help reduce your customers concerns.

What is Swine Flu, Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control

Recommended Action Steps, Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control

Prepare Your Financial Records - this is a good time to ensure you have your financial house in order. In past events where disaster aid for small business has been authorized, this aid usually comes in the form of Government insured loans. Having your financial records updated and ready to go, in the event this aid is authorized and needed, will make the process easier and faster.

Monitor Your State/Local Government - school closings and event cancelations and modifications will come from local and state governments.

Check Official Web Sites for More Information
        •Official Pandemic Flu Web site for the US Department of Health and Human Services
        •Centers for Disease Control H1N1 Update Page
        •Centers for Disease Control Travel Update Page
        •World Health Organization
        •TSA Motorcoach Security & Emergency Page

UMA.org - Home \| Join Now \| About UMA \| Industry News/Press Releases \| Consumer Help \| Membership Directory Legal Information \| Bus and Motorcoach News \| Motorcoach Expo \| Industry Products & Services \| Become a UMA Member \| Members Only
113 S. West Street, 4th Floor Alexandria, VA 22314-2824 Phone: 800-424-8262 / (703) 838-2929 Fax: (703) 838-2950 Email: info@uma.org Web Design and Development by Americaneagle.com