NEWBURY - In an address to a New Hampshire-Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference today, Gov. John Lynch today discussed the state's Avian Flu preparations, including his concerns about proposals to shift some responsibility to the states for purchasing and stockpiling vaccines.

"An Avian Flu pandemic could be devastating, taking countless lives, and creating upheaval for our families, our communities and our economy," Gov. Lynch said.

"I first met with our public health and emergency management officials last spring to discuss Avian Flu. It was clear to me then, and it still is now, that an uncontrolled human outbreak would be a catastrophe for the people of New Hampshire. It was also clear to me that we had to start immediately working to do everything possible to prepare," Gov. Lynch said.

Last spring, Gov. Lynch challenged state agencies to prepare a drill to test the state's ability to distribute medications from the National Strategic Stockpile, a cache of medication available through the Centers for Disease Control, in the event of a pandemic.

The drill is planned for November 19. The drill will test state and local coordination and the ability to mass distribute medication, in the form of real flu vaccine, to three communities, Colebrook, Portsmouth and Manchester.

"I was not comfortable in relying on the hope that plans developed on paper, and only tested on paper, would work when we needed them. We need to learn now - as opposed to in a real emergency - what works well, and what could work better. What we learn from these drills will improve our ability to protect New Hampshire's citizens and to respond to any emergency," Gov. Lynch said.

While New Hampshire is taking steps to prepare for an Avian Flu pandemic, Gov. Lynch said the federal government needs to dedicate resources, and quickly, to prepare. He called legislation before the U.S. Senate, and the President's address on the issue this week good first steps, but that more action is needed.

"An Avian Flu Pandemic will not respect state borders. Every state must be equally prepared and equally able to respond. If they are not, then a pandemic will spread even more quickly," Gov. Lynch said. "That is why I am disturbed by the proposal to force states to pick up the costs of buying and storing this vaccine. That can only result in unequal supplies and preparation, which could make a disaster even worse.

"This is a national problem that will require national resources," he said.

Gov. John Lynch also called for greater interstate emergency preparedness and response planning.

"If Boston faced a major disaster, are New Hampshire and Vermont ready to handle the surge of people that would inevitably flow into our states? We must make sure we are able to help and respond effectively," Gov. Lynch said.

"That is why I will be asking New Hampshire's emergency management officials to work with their counterparts in Massachusetts and Vermont, as well as Maine, and begin developing more extensive emergency response plans," Gov. Lynch said.

Currently, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts' emergency management directors meet regularly to discuss issues of common concern. But most joint planning has focused on radiological issues.

"While that is a critical area that deserves constant attention, it is not the only threat we face," Gov. Lynch said.

Gov. Lynch also thanked Vermont leaders for their offers of assistance during the recent floods.

"As we dealt with the devastation in western New Hampshire, I heard, and New Hampshire state government and communities heard, from Gov. Douglas, Vermont communities, Vermont state agencies and other organizations, repeatedly offering us any assistance we might need.

"Those offers of help meant a lot to me and to the people of New Hampshire. Although we did not need to call on all the resources offered, knowing they were available was extremely important during a quickly changing emergency situation," Gov. Lynch said. "Please also know that New Hampshire would be equally willing and ready to respond to Vermont if you ever needed our assistance."