Preparing for a Pandemic
As you prepare for the pandemic, it is important to consider the challenges you may face if you or a loved one becomes ill with the H1N1 virus. Work-from-home plans, and contingency plans to care for children and ailing parents are important to consider before flu season begins.
The Centers for Disease Control says to prepare for a pandemic you should also:
- Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can also be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
- Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
- Have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
- Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
- Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
- Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.
Examples of food and non-perishable items to have on hand are:
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Cereal
- Protein bars
- Crackers
- Dried Fruit
- Peanut butter
- Pet food
- Bottled water and sports drinks
- Canned juices
Examples of emergency supplies to have readily available are:
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
- Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash
- Over-the-counter fever reducers and anti-diarrheal medication
- Thermometer
- Fluids with electrolytes
- Flashlight and batteries
- Portable radio
- Manual can opener
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Diapers