New York Information Network (NYIN)
Special Message (posted August 9, 2007)
INSURANCE INDUSTRY URGED TO REGISTER & PARTICIPATE IN NATIONWIDE FLU PANDEMIC EXERCISE
OVERVIEW:
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is sponsoring an exercise designed to assess the potential risks of a global influenza outbreak. This exercise will enable insurance companies to self-assess their business continuity plans and identify how to continue operations in the face of massive absenteeism, as well as disruptions in such areas as communications, energy and transportation.
REGISTRATION:
Registration (expired)
For more information please visit: http://ww.fspanfluexercise.com
EXERCISE DURATION:
Start date: Sept. 24, 2007
End date: Oct. 12, 2007
OBJECTIVES:
- To understand the systemic risks to the financial services sector.
- To enhance the preparedness of the financial services sector by providing an opportunity for organizations to test their disaster response and business continuity plans.
- To examine ripple effects that may occur in other sectors financial services rely upon to function.
PARTICIPATION:
All insurance companies licensed in New York State, regardless of size, are encouraged to participate. Related financial services industries, including banks, securities/futures firms, credit unions and service providers, will also participate.
PRE-EXERCISE ORIENTATION:
Two industry-wide conference calls are planned to provide registered participants an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the exercise and to answer their questions. The calls are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 15 and Friday, Sept. 14. The conference calls will be conducted at 11 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. Information on how to participate in the calls will be sent to you after you register for the exercise.
EXERCISE SCENARIO:
Participants will be presented with weekly online scenarios meant to realistically portray disaster situations. They will be asked to respond to these situations using the exercise website. Anonymity will be assured.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The New York State Insurance Department strongly recommends that all licensed insurers register and fully participate in this exercise.
REFERENCES:
Exercise website:
http://www.fspanfluexercise.com/
U.S. Government one-stop website for avian and pandemic flu information:
