You can prepare for an influenza
pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can
happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take
to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and
your family. This checklist will help you gather the information
and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.
- To plan for a
pandemic:
- 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 be useful in other
types of emergencies, such as power outages and
disasters.
- Have any 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.
- To limit the
spread of germs and prevent infection:
- Teach your children to wash hands frequently with
soap and water, and model the correct behavior.
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with
tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.
- Teach your children to stay away from others as much
as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and
school if sick.
- Items to have on
hand for an extended stay at home:
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Examples of
food and non-perishables |
Examples of
medical, health, and emergency supplies
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- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits,
vegetables, beans, and soups
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- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose
and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
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- Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60-95%)
hand wash
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- Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen
or ibuprofen
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- Anti-diarrheal medication
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- Canned or jarred baby food and formula
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- Other non-perishable items
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- Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
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