Pandemic Check List

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 just in case.

To plan for a pandemic:

Store at least a three-week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a grocery 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 some disinfectant, such as Lysol or alcohol, Purell, soap, clothes soap, etc.

Have a thermometer and know how to use it. If you want some gloves or N-95 masks now would be the time to put some away. Hopefully, you won't need them for the flu and you can use them in cleaning or painting. Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home. Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, (like Gatorade and Pedialyte) and vitamins.

Determine some easy meals that you can prepare and some comfort food you can have on hand, such as clear liquids, otter pops, applesauce, soup, perhaps, chicken noodle soup. Soup can be an excellent means of rehydration, especially for children. Choose a salty soup, like chicken noodle soup, add a teaspoon of sugar, and it could be very helpful to those with the flu for rehydration. Make your own hydration drink with 1 litre water, 1/2 t. salt and 8 t. sugar.

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. What about your children who are not presently in your home? your parents? elderly? previous health issues?

To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:

1. Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.

2. Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior. (H1N1 is carried in the air in water droplets)

3. Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick.

4. STAY HOME FROM WORK, SCHOOL, AND CHURCH IF YOU OR ANYONE IN YOUR HOME IS SICK WITH H1N1. (You are contagious at least a day before you are symptomatic and some people may not even show symptoms.)

Examples of items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Food and non-perishables
Medical, health, and emergency supplies
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
Protein or fruit bars
Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash
Dry cereal or granola
Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Peanut butter or nuts
Thermometer
Dried fruit
Anti-diarrheal medication
Crackers
Vitamins
Canned juices
Fluids with electrolytes
Bottled water
Cleansing agent/soap
Canned or jarred baby food and formula
Flashlight
Pet food
Batteries

Other non-perishable items
N-95 Respirators
Nitrile or other latex gloves
Face Maks for those who are sick
Apron or gown (optional)
Portable radio
Manual can opener
Tool kit of things to help entertain if social distancing is in place

For updated information on pandemic flu go to: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ ,
and http://www.cdc.gov/flu/Pandemic/

For a reminder of basic preparations designed by the Church: --Hit down arrow to Page 3
http://www.providentliving.org/fhs/pdf/WE_FamilyResourcesGuide_International_04008_000.pdf
What you should know about wearing a face mask or a respirator--http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MasksRespirators/

Flu Symptoms http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm

Family Emergency Health Sheet http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/familyhealthinfo.html