Preparation
for Emergencies
To be better prepared for emergencies, such as a flu pandemic, gather
and store at least a two-week supply of basic items. These should
include a variety of supplies that will help you survive at home with
little or no outside help. While not all of these items will be
needed during a flu pandemic, it is a good idea to have them on hand for
other emergencies.Basic supplies include:
- Water - at least one gallon per person per day
- Canned or dried food (including high protein sources)
- Household cleaning supplies (bleach, disinfectant sprays)
- Battery-operated radio
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Thermometer
- Non-aspirin pain reliever
- Paper and pencil to keep a record of symptoms and to jot down
questions
- Prescription medications and first-aid kits
- Extra bath and hand soap
Personal supplies:
- Important family documents
- Feminine hygiene products
- Vision aids, such as glasses or contact solution
- Dental supplies
- Entertainment (videos/DVDs, books, magazines, music)
- Baby supplies
- Pet supplies
If you have special needs, your supplies should include:
- A list of prescription and nonprescription medicines, including
dosages, and keep extra doses on hand if possible.
- A list of allergies and other medical conditions
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries, if necessary
- Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment, if
necessary
- A list of the brand/style and serial numbers of medical devices
- Copies of medical insurance and Medicare and Medicaid cards
- A list of doctors
- A list of emergency contacts and family members
- Phone numbers of close neighbors who can help.
Be sure to check and update all emergency supplies to make sure that
food, water and other dated items are fresh.
Source: "Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Community Guide."
Department of Health and Senior Services
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