Getting Ready for Pandemic Influenza
[Note from Bob: Read the following with the idea in mind that on the 80th day (yes the 80th day!) of a pandemic in Seattle, it is estimated that 9,000 intensive care beds will be required. From what I have read, the flu will probably come in three waves, each lasting weeks. 50% of the people infected probably will not be very sick, but 40% of the work force will either be sick or stay home to take care of the sick, or just plain afraid to go out. Estimates range up to 2,000,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. This is VERY SERIOUS ... please think this through ... it could be THE event of this century ... disrupting everything in our lives.
Also, I think we need to think of this thing in two ways...the temporal preparation...and the spiritual preparation. It will be no good to be totally prepared temporally, if spiritually we are bereft of faith.]
When preparing for a possible emergency situation such as pandemic influenza, it's best to think first about the basics of survival, including fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Because it may be necessary to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus, you may have to remain in your home for several days. The checklist below contains certain items that may be especially important if you cannot leave your home and people cannot enter.
Food and water - Be sure to have several days to a week's supply of canned/dried food and water on hand and a can opener. Grocery stores may not have adequate supplies or staff available to remain open. Don't forget baby formula and diapers. Basic utilities such as electricity or water may experience disruptions.
Medications, First Aid Kit and equipment - If you must take medications on a regular basis, be sure to have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay.
Blankets - Ensure that you have plenty of warm blankets on hand in case of electricity disruptions.
Phone - If there are disruptions to power, you will require a telephone (standard wired phone) that does not run on power from an electrical outlet. Cell phones may operate when the power is out, but wireless phones will not.
Battery powered radio with extra batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
Items for personal comfort - Items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, facial and bathroom tissue should be on hand to make your time at home more comfortable. Be sure to include items for children such as coloring books, games and activities.
Face and nose protection - Face masks should be available for each member of the family to prevent the spread of disease. Dense-weave cotton material that snugly covers your nose and mouth and is specifically fit for each member of the family. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children. There are also a variety of face masks readily available in hardware stores.
Large trash bags and ties - Large trash bags should be kept on hand to store garbage safely because garbage service may be disrupted or postponed for many days.
Pets - Ensure you have plenty of food, water or litter available for your pets.
Emergency Plan - Take the time to prepare a family emergency plan. Record medical histories, social security numbers and contact information on the Kentucky Community Information Pocket Guide. Ensure your children and family members know who to contact in an emergency. Don't forget to check in on your neighbors and the elderly in your community.
[Note from Bob: Read the following with the idea in mind that on the 80th day (yes the 80th day!) of a pandemic in Seattle, it is estimated that 9,000 intensive care beds will be required. From what I have read, the flu will probably come in three waves, each lasting weeks. 50% of the people infected probably will not be very sick, but 40% of the work force will either be sick or stay home to take care of the sick, or just plain afraid to go out. Estimates range up to 2,000,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. This is VERY SERIOUS ... please think this through ... it could be THE event of this century ... disrupting everything in our lives.
Also, I think we need to think of this thing in two ways...the temporal preparation...and the spiritual preparation. It will be no good to be totally prepared temporally, if spiritually we are bereft of faith.]
When preparing for a possible emergency situation such as pandemic influenza, it's best to think first about the basics of survival, including fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Because it may be necessary to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus, you may have to remain in your home for several days. The checklist below contains certain items that may be especially important if you cannot leave your home and people cannot enter.
Food and water - Be sure to have several days to a week's supply of canned/dried food and water on hand and a can opener. Grocery stores may not have adequate supplies or staff available to remain open. Don't forget baby formula and diapers. Basic utilities such as electricity or water may experience disruptions.
Medications, First Aid Kit and equipment - If you must take medications on a regular basis, be sure to have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay.
Blankets - Ensure that you have plenty of warm blankets on hand in case of electricity disruptions.
Phone - If there are disruptions to power, you will require a telephone (standard wired phone) that does not run on power from an electrical outlet. Cell phones may operate when the power is out, but wireless phones will not.
Battery powered radio with extra batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
Items for personal comfort - Items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, facial and bathroom tissue should be on hand to make your time at home more comfortable. Be sure to include items for children such as coloring books, games and activities.
Face and nose protection - Face masks should be available for each member of the family to prevent the spread of disease. Dense-weave cotton material that snugly covers your nose and mouth and is specifically fit for each member of the family. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children. There are also a variety of face masks readily available in hardware stores.
Large trash bags and ties - Large trash bags should be kept on hand to store garbage safely because garbage service may be disrupted or postponed for many days.
Pets - Ensure you have plenty of food, water or litter available for your pets.
Emergency Plan - Take the time to prepare a family emergency plan. Record medical histories, social security numbers and contact information on the Kentucky Community Information Pocket Guide. Ensure your children and family members know who to contact in an emergency. Don't forget to check in on your neighbors and the elderly in your community.
posted by Bobby | 12:17 PM
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