What To Expect If We See A Pandemic Influenza In Our Lifetime

As you and your family plan for the potential of an influenza pandemic, think about the challenges you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. You can start to prepare now to be able to respond to these challenges. The following are some challenges you or your family may face and recommendations to help you cope.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES YOU DEPEND ON MAY BE DISRUPTED;

Plan for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, banks, restaurants, government offices, telephone and cellular phone companies, and post offices.

Stores may close or have limited supplies. Taking stock of the items you and your family require now on a daily basis will help you determine what items you should stockpile to help you manage without these services

Transportation services may be disrupted and you may not be able to rely on public transportation. Plan to take fewer trips and store essential supplies.

Public gatherings, such as volunteer meetings and worship services, may be canceled. Prepare contact lists including conference calls, telephone chains, and email distribution lists, to access or distribute necessary information.

Consider that the ability to travel, even by car if there are fuel shortages, may be limited.

You should also talk to your family about where family members and loved ones will go in an emergency and how they will receive care, in case you cannot communicate with them.

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 or traveler's checks in small denominations for easy use.

FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES MAY BE INTERRUPTED AND LIMITED;

Food and water supplies may be interrupted so temporary shortages could occur. You may also be unable to get to a store. To prepare for this possibility you should store at least one to two weeks supply of non-perishable food and fresh water for emergencies – more if you have the room and the budget for it. Here’s a basic guide for what you should plan to have on hand;

FOOD

- Store two weeks of nonperishable food.

- Select foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation (including the use of water), or cooking.

- Insure that formulas for infants and any child's or older person's special nutritional needs are a part of your planning.

WATER

- Store two weeks of water, 1 gallon of water per person per day. (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation/sanitation), in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.

BEING ABLE TO WORK MAY BE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE;

- Ask your employer how business will continue during a pandemic.

- Discuss staggered shifts or working at home with your employer.

- Discuss telecommuting possibilities and needs, accessing remote networks, and using portable computers.

- Discuss possible flexibility in leave policies.

- Discuss with your employer how much leave you can take to care for yourself or a family member.

- Plan for possible loss of income if you are unable to work or the company you work for temporarily closes.

SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE CENTERS MAY BE CLOSED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME;

- Schools, and potentially public and private preschool, childcare, trade schools, and colleges and universities may be closed to limit the spread of flu in the community and to help prevent children from becoming sick.

- Other school-related activities and services could also be disrupted or cancelled including: clubs, sports/sporting events, music activities, and school meals. School closings would likely happen very early in a pandemic and could occur on short notice.

- Talk to your teachers, administrators, and parent-teacher organizations about your school's pandemic plan, and offer your help.

- Plan now for children staying at home for extended periods of time, as school closings may occur along with restrictions on public gatherings, such as at malls, movie theaters.

- Plan home learning activities and exercises that your children can do at home. Have learning materials, such as books, school supplies, and educational computer activities and movies on hand.

- Talk to teachers, administrators, and parent-teacher organizations about possible activities, lesson plans, and exercises that children can do at home if schools are closed. This could include continuing courses by TV or the internet.

- Plan entertainment and recreational activities that your children can do at home. Have materials, such as reading books, coloring books, and games, on hand for your children to use.

MEDICAL CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS COULD BE DISRUPTED;

- In a severe pandemic, hospitals and doctors' offices may be overwhelmed.

- If you have a chronic disease, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or depression, you should continue taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.

- Make sure you have necessary medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment.

- Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure adequate access to your medications.

- If you receive ongoing medical care such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or other therapies, talk with your health care provider about plans to continue care during a pandemic.

Steven Cyros pens for www.MREdepot.com , a disaster preparedness website specializing in canned butter, cheese, freeze dried foods and MRE’s for long term storage. For more info, visit www.MREdepot.com . Disaster Preparedness at www.MREdepot.com

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