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Reported by: Sharia Davis
12/13/2006 05:25pm

ROMNEY, WV – It is a health issue that’s made national headlines but local and state officials in West Virginia are taking precautions here at home. For local and state officials, learning from nine other counties representing the Eastern Panhandle, is the perfect way to prepare for a major pandemic.

“We're bringing officials, and bringing forth plans when a pandemic flew hits the eastern counties,” says Rosemary Cannerella of the Jefferson County Health Dept.

For this reason, state officials hosted their first tabletop exercise for health experts and local authorities.

“I think what we've learn from past disasters is that community preparedness is essential.  We can't wait for federal or state resources to bail us out,” says Diana Gaviria of the Berkeley County Health Department.

“I think this is about gaining ideas from each other making them practical,” says State Health Officer Dr. Cathy Slemp.

Hundreds took part.   They discussed ways to fight any flu pandemic that could eventually spread throughout the Mountain State.  But to stop any illness from spreading health officials say residents must take action at home.

The tabletop exercise will continue throughout West Virginia over the next several months.  State officials are hoping to achieve the same goal, responding early before it's too late.