Top ten supplies to have in a flu pandemic

In recent years, beginning with the Y2K (non-)threat and peaking with the aftermath of September 11, and now with a flu pandemic threat, ‘emergency preparedness’ has become a byword in my household. The US government even has Ready America website for different types of emergencies and threats. We did our part: We (still) have the duct tapes and plastics ready, and even packed a huge duffel bag full of supplies in case we had to evacuate. I still have that bag (see photo), but how I’m gonna carry a weight that’s heavy is something else. Sheltering-in-place for an extended period inside the house will be much easier. So, here’s my Top Ten List of Items you MUST have at home:

1. Water. a gallon per person per day, and have enough to last for 3-7 days. Replenish every three months if you don’t get to use them. I found out that the recommended 6 months turn over is too long and spoils the water. Also, I recommend having enough supply of water purifier tablets.

2. Nonperishable food, again good for 3-7 days. Good to have around: peanut butter, dry crackers, canned goods, protein bars, dry cereal, including food for infants. A good alternative also is the military ration you can buy from sporting goods stores; you do need to add water though. Check the expiration dates when you stock up and change every three months or so.

3. Full stocked medicine and first aid cabinet. Make sure you have over-the-counter drugs for fever, cough/cold and diarrhea, and prescription drugs if you need them. Thermometers, hot and cold packs.

4. Cleansing agents, such as soap of the alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

5. Battery-powered devices, such as hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both. Add also, flashlights, batter-powered radio and extra batteries. Expect the power to go out.

6. Manual can opener and a small knife must be stocked with your emergency food supply. You don’t want to have to hunt for these in the dark.

7. Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers and garbage bags. Hygienically, these are extremely important in a flu pandemic.

8. Sleeping bag or blankets, one per person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

9. Cash. Although in a shelter-in-place, we won’t expect to go out of the house, still, I never know when I might need these.

10. N95 respirator mask. Debate is still going whether a mask does fully protect, but I’d side with caution and buy these anyhow.

These items are in containers labeled ‘for emergency’ and with a date, so I am reminded to check for expiration, and that anyone in the family know what these are for. Hopefully we don’t need to use them, but there’s some peace knowing I have something prepared.

[For more on these, check out Ready.gov and Pandemicflu.gov]

Tags: avian influenza, disinfection, emergency, food safety, H5N1, Homeland Security, N95 flu mask, preparedness, public awareness and prevention, respirator mask