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Welcome to the Hillsdale Police Department, Bergen County, NJ
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(201)664-4200, Fax#(201)666-4503, IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1
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 Q&As on the WHO Declaration of Pandemic Phase 6 for Novel H1N1 Flu as of 11:07am
PHASE 6
What do the WHO phases mean?
The WHO phases are based on the geographical spread of a novel influenza virus. As “pandemic” means worldwide epidemic, a WHO Phase 6 means that the virus is spreading across the globe. What the WHO phases do NOT do is predict the severity of the virus.
Using a hurricane analogy, the WHO phase system simply tells us that a hurricane is imminent, but it DOES NOT tell us how big or how strong the storm might be. It is the strength of a hurricane that dictates which pre-landfall actions are needed, such as just boarding up windows versus a full evacuation. While weather forecasters can fly an airplane into the eye of a hurricane to measure a storm’s strength and predict its ultimate severity, there is no such forecasting tool for flu viruses.
Does WHO’s change to Phase 6 mean the virus is more severe?
No. It is important to understand that this change is based on the geographic spread of the virus to other parts of the world and does not necessarily reflect any change in the severity of the virus or associated illness.
So why did WHO move to Phase 6 if the virus severity is unchanged?
The move to Phase 6 is really an alert that the spread of the H1N1 virus is now expected to traverse the globe and those nations where the virus has yet to arrive should expect to eventually see cases and be prepared to respond.
What does the phase change mean for the United States? What will the U.S. do differently?
Here in the United States, the virus has been spreading steadily from person-to-person since April, so today’s announcement by WHO does not really change what we are already doing here at home to respond.
In response to an influenza pandemic, governments, communities, workplaces and individuals will base the intensity of their efforts to reduce spread of the virus on the severity of the disease, as reflected by the number of deaths and hospitalizations from the virus.
The United States has been responding to the H1N1 flu in a way that balances the health of our residents while minimizing disruption to society. We will continue to provide guidance using the most current scientific data available about the H1N1 flu.
Regardless of what WHO calls or labels this, we are taking necessary and aggressive measures to protect the health of our residents out of an abundance of caution.
What actions has the U.S. taken already?
Since the first reports of the appearance of novel H1N1 flu in the U.S., we have been actively and aggressively implementing our pandemic response plan. We have distributed 11 million courses of antiviral drugs nationwide, we have begun the process of procuring a vaccine should it be needed, and we have been routinely providing the latest information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly-identified influenza virus.
Is the outbreak over in the U.S.?
The only thing certain about flu viruses is uncertainty. As we have been saying for some time, we do expect that we will see more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths from this virus. However, to date most people who have become ill with novel H1N1 in the United States have not become seriously ill and have recovered without hospitalization.
While the number of cases in the U.S. may be waning, we are continuing to prepare for the possibility that the virus may return in the fall. We will continue to watch this virus carefully, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Every day we learn more about this virus and its impact on human health. As we learn new information, we will adjust our responses and planning, and inform the public and continue to do all we can to make this outbreak less severe.
Is there anything individuals can do?
There are everyday common sense things that people must do to protect their health and lessen the spread of the novel H1N1 virus as well as seasonal flu viruses. Wash your hands and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If you are sick, stay home, recover, and keep others well. Avoid going to work or school. Delay travel plans/. Limit your contact with others . And stay informed—be sure to visit http://www.hhs.gov, http://www.cdc.gov, and http://www.pandemicflu.gov to get the latest information as it becomes available. You can also call 1-800 CDC INFO.
What does Phase 6 mean for vaccine development and production?
First, it is important to recognize that developing a vaccine for use, in case it is needed, is different from recommending individuals be immunized. There is a great deal still unknown, including the severity of illness caused by the virus, how the virus will evolve, how the outbreak plays out in the coming weeks to months, and what populations may be most (or least) at risk.
The process of vaccine preparation is already underway and decisions regarding production will be informed by what we learn about the need for such a vaccine and what we learn about the vaccine itself as it is developed and is used in clinical studies. The goal is to have vaccine(s) ready, if needed, but this is a multi-step process and the decisions to have a vaccine ready, if needed, including, potentially, to produce such vaccines on a large-scale level, is distinct from any decision to recommend its use.
Are you planning an H1N1 immunization program?
While we are all working as fast as possible to develop the vaccine in the event that we need it, please understand that this is separate from a decision to use it, or not. Any decisions on immunization programs must be made on the best scientific and public health evidence available at the time. That said, it is very important that we prepare expeditiously and thoroughly for all potential scenarios.
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Chief Chip Stalter is pleased to announce that as of 6/1/2009, the Hillsdale Police is now "Twittering". The Hillsdale Police Department communications desk will be twittering noteworthy events within the borough during the 7-3 shifts. Expect to see twitter posts ranging from advisories, traffic delays to public safety. It is our hope to be able to provide accurate information to residents about events un-folding within the borough.
Hillsdale PD Twitter Page
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Police and High School Team Up to Go Green
Chief Chip Stalter announced the successful creation and execution of a new community-oriented program that focuses on building bonds with local students while improving the environment. This initiative was a joint venture between Pascack Valley High School and the Hillsdale Police Department.
To See this story and read the full version, click on the READ MORE button beneath this paragraph.
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2010 CENSUS IS UNDERWAY
The US Census Bureau has announced that the 2010 Census is underway and workers will begin canvassing neighborhoods and towns in New Jersey. Accordingly, workers from the Census Bureau will be deployed on residential streets, walking door-to-door, to conduct interviews with residents. Census Bureau workers will be deployed in town for approximately one to two months.
The majority of the Census Bureau workers are temporary employees hired for the 2010 Census. They can be readily identified by an official identification card with the cardholder's signature and an expiration date printed on the front. The ID Cards are typically worn around their neck and have the seal of the US Census Bureau with an American Flag printed on it. It is important to note that these Census workers do not have photo identification.
Permanent employees, supervisors, and regional level staff can be readily identified by a photo ID Card with the US Census Bureau logo on the front. The reverse side of their ID Card will show an additional photo along with the cardholder's fingerprint embossed beneath it. Census workers will be walking door-to-door, carrying handheld PDA devices. They will use the PDA to record answers to the Census questions asked of residents.
While Census workers are in Hillsdale performing their very important function, the federal government would like to remind residents that your safety and the protection of your private information is crucial. As such, Census workers have passed background checks and cannot share the data they collect with other entities, including tax collection agencies.
As always, if you believe that someone in your neighborhood is acting suspiciously, contact Police Headquarters at (201)664-4200. In the event that you observe an unusual person or an unusual car near your house, be sure to note a description of either/both, including basic facts like the color, make, and model of the automobile; the license plate of the automobile; the height, weight, gender, race, and clothing description of a suspicious person. Provide these details and the best description possible to the Police Dispatcher answering your call.
Lastly, never invite someone into your home unless they have proper identification, and only after you have had a chance to see their ID card. Whenever you are in doubt, ask them to wait outside while you verify their identity or employment by calling their employer (e.g., public utility or town inspector) or by calling Police Headquarters.
For more information about the 2010 US Census, visit their website, www.census.gov.
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 Borough of Hillsdale Parking Permits for 2009 are now on sale at the Hillsdale Police Department Communications Desk.
The Hillsdale Police Department Communications Desk is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Parking permit prices remain the same from 2008 rates.
If you have any questions about the permits or the fees please contact the Hillsdale Police Department Communications Desk at 201-664-4200.
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Drug Free NJ "Anti-Drug Campaign"
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