"Pandemics are global in nature, but their impact is local. When the next pandemic strikes, as it surely will, it is likely to touch the lives of every individual, family, and community. Our task is to make sure that when this happens, we will be a Nation prepared."
Michael O. Leavitt, SecretaryU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesWhat You Need to KnowAn influenza (flu) pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of flu disease that occurs when a new type of influenza virus appears that people have not been exposed to before. The pandemic virus can cause serious illness because people do not have immunity to the new virus. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza that we see every year.
Influenza pandemics are different from many of the other major public health and health care threats facing our country and the world. A pandemic will last much longer than most flu outbreaks and may include "waves" of influenza activity that last 6 - 8 weeks separated by months.
The number of heath care workers and first responders able to work may be reduced. Public heath officials will not know how severe a pandemic will be until it begins.
Importance and Benefits of Being PreparedThe effects of a pandemic can be lessened if you prepare ahead of time. Preparing for a disaster will help bring peace of mind and confidence to deal with pandemic.
When a pandemic starts, everyone around the world could be at risk. A pandemic would touch every aspect of society - businesses, schools, churches, community organizations, and essential services.
As you plan for an influenza pandemic, think about the challenges you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe.
*Plan for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals, banks, restaurants, government offices, telephone and cellular phone companies, and post offices.
*Stores may close or have limited supplies.
*Transportation services may be disrupted. Fuel shortages.
*In a pandemic, there may be widespread illness that could result in the shut down of local ATMs and banks. Keep a small amount of cash in small denominations for easy use.
Food and Water Supplies May Be interrupted and Limited*Store two weeks of nonperishable food. Select foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking.
(what happens if you are the one sick and your children have to take care of you).* Store two weeks of water, 1 gallon of water per person per day. (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation/sanitation).
*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.
Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:*Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans and soups.
*Protein or fruit bars
*Dry cereal or granola
*Dried Fruit
*Crackers
*Canned Juices
*Bottled Water
*Canned or jarred baby food and formula
*Pet food
*Prescribed medical supplies
*Soap and water, alcohol-based hand wash
*Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
*Thermometer
*Anti-diarrhea medication
*Vitamins
*Fluids with electrolytes (See this link to make your own:
http://blog.totallyready.com/?p=529)
*Cleansing agent/soap
*Flashlight
*Batteries
*Portable radio
*Manual can opener
*Garbage bags
*Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
This information came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services May 2006Here is the link to the LDS Church pandemic information:
http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8041-1-4414-1,00.htmlMy personal thoughts are to be prepared! Prevention is also key in this threat.
*Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same thing. Brady has hand sanitizer in his locker to use between classes.
*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
*Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
*If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because germs can spread that way.
Over the weekend I thought of things I should get on hand like: anti-diarrhea medication, anti-nausea medication, NyQuil, Kleenex etc. I headed out to the store and purchased these items. Luckily there wasn't a "run" on these items and the shelves were stocked. But, what happens if you can't find them when the pandemic hits your area.
The other thing is that when we are at risk, we
shouldn't be running to the store and exposing ourselves to the virus....
We should be heading home.
In the case of a true Pandemic outbreak in your area, the most important thing is to be prepared to
Shelter In. This means having enough food/water/supplies to keep you and your family inside at your home for possibly several weeks.
You
don’t want to be caught in a store-run in a pandemic outbreak! You need to make sure you are prepared for that possibility ahead of time. If you have your 3 month supply of everything at home already, then Peace is yours in this situation!