Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas is a new, free online training course offered by the Department of Homeland Security. The course introduces students to the characteristics of pandemic influenza, the effects that it can have on every facet of society, and the steps organizations can take to minimize the effects of a pandemic.

The primary audiences for this course are personnel at any level of government, representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations, or representatives from private industry who may have a need for a basic understanding of pandemic influenza and the impacts they can expect should a widespread pandemic occur in the United States.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Explain the differences between seasonal influenza and pandemic influenza
• Relate the effects of pandemic influenza to daily organizational operations and basic services
• Describe strategies for resolving continuity challenges presented in a pandemic situation

A completion certificate is available for inclusion in Federal Emergency Management Agency training records, as applicable.