Hawai'i has done some admirable work in preparing first responders for an avian flu pandemic, but as a state we're miles from readiness for a disaster of this magnitude.

In a story by Advertiser writer Karen Blakeman, leaders of the coordinating Healthcare Association of Hawai'i offered some grim forecasts. And, according to current estimates, the healthcare system is only ready to handle an outbreak affecting up to about 800 casualties in a hospital. The harm from an avian flu pandemic, experts say, will be grave — affecting perhaps a quarter of the residential and visitor population — and require a far greater response.

Even if temporary facilities are set up in tent-clinics and public places, worst-case scenarios depict a state where hospitals are already overtaxed, dispatching many patients to home quarantine.

Coping strategies for government and businesses will be the focus of a key June 14 conference, and clearly the private sector will have to step up to the plate to support emergency clinics. The general public must take heed of these discussions among the key players and reflect on what we all can do to prepare.

For starters, we can read up on preparations on the Web (at www.hawaii.gov/health and www.pandemicflu.gov). And we can discuss with family members ways to weather the crisis at home.

Surviving a pandemic could mean the ability to sustain families through long periods of semi-isolation, and that's going to require everyone to play a part. If we wait for evidence of an outbreak before we take the threat seriously, we'll be too late.