I realize that this isn’t a typical blog for me, however, this may be helpful for you. For more information on what you can do if this situation turns into a flu pandemic, see www.bridgesoflove.net

Family Guide to Preparing for Pandemic Flu - (November 2006 – G. Arsenault)

Services

During a pandemic, health care, grocery stores, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices, postal service, bus, taxi, and other services may be unavailable.

ðWhat services do you and your family use regularly?

ðHow will you manage if these services are not available?

ðWhat do you need to stock up on (food, water, other necessities)?

Work

ðCan you work from home?

ðHow will your business / employment be affected?(More work, or less work?)

·If more work, how will your family be cared for when you can’t be there?

·If less work, how will you manage with less or no income?

School or daycare

ðIf school / daycare closes, how will your child(ren) be cared for?

ðHow will you keep your child(ren) safe, busy, and entertained?

ðIs your school set up for distance education?

ðCan you do home-schooling?

Support networks

ðWho will look after you if you get sick?

ðWho will look after your family if you get sick?

ðWho will need your care if they get sick?

ðConsider mutual assistance pact with neighbours

Health safety habits to teach your family

ðMaintain health:healthy diet, enough sleep, avoids tobacco smoke, etc.

ðWash or sanitize your hands often - and always after coughing, sneezing, nose-blowing, or removing a mask.

ðCough and sneeze into tissues or into your upper sleeve.Dispose of used tissues in trash.

ðKeep the lid down on the toilet and keep toothbrushes and cups 1 meter from the toilet.

ðRegularly sanitize frequently touched surfaces at home, school, and work, with 1 part 5% bleach to 50 parts of water, or 60-90% alcohol, or a commercial cleaner.

ðUse virus-safe greetings:bow, wave, touch elbow-to-elbow – don’t shake hands or touch other people with your hands.

ðGet vaccinated against regular influenza every year.

ðCheck to see if you need a vaccination against pneumococcal disease, and get it if you do.

ðStay home when you’re sick.

ðWear a mask if you’re sick and have to go out

ðStay away from others if they are sick.

If the pandemic starts

ðListen for regular news updates and advice.

ðGo out as little as possible; keep house air humid.

ðWear a mask when you do go out.

ðTo care for patient with pandemic influenza:

oCap, eye protection, N95 mask

oLong-sleeved gown, gloves

oClean stool / vomitus with 1:5 bleach

oSanitize with 1:50 bleach or 70% alcohol solution

Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home

Basic supplies

(Prepare for at least 2 weeks; more is better.)

¨A stock of bottled water, or a rain barrel (plan for 4 litres per person per day.)

¨Food that doesn’t need to be frozen or kept in the fridge, such as …

¨Ready-to-eat canned foods – meats, beans, fruits, vegetables, soups

¨Grains, dried lentils, dried beans and peas

¨Protein, granola or fruit bars

¨Peanut butter or nuts

¨Dried fruit

¨Trail mix

¨Honey, jam

¨Milk powder, instant coffee and tea

¨Cereals

¨Crackers and biscuits, oatmeal cookies

¨For babies who are not breastfed, formula

¨For babies eating solids, canned or jarred foods

¨Pet food, if you have pets

¨Usual medications

¨Vitamins, other supplements

¨Toilet paper,tissues, disposable diapers (if you have babies) and sanitary supplies

¨Hand soap, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, bleach

-60-90% ethyl alcohol gets influenza & norovirus

-isopropyl alcohol gets influenza but not norovirus

¨Anything else you buy regularly (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)

Supplies in case someone gets sick

¨Canned or dried soup

¨Canned juices, electrolyte drinks (Gatorade, etc.)

¨Easily prepared food

¨Thermometer

¨Acetaminophen

¨Masks, goggles, gloves

¨Gowns or something that can be used as gowns

¨Anti-diarrhea treatments

¨Separate bathroom for sick person if possible

Emergency supplies (examples)

¨Warm clothing, electric heaters (especially radiant)

¨Extra blankets

¨Flashlights, either wind-up or have extra batteries

¨Portable radio, either wind-up or have extra batteries

¨Manual can opener

¨Garbage bags, pails, cleaning gloves, paper towels, cleaning cloths

¨For experienced users:candles, oil lamps, matches

¨Camp stove or barbeque and fuel – but do NOT use indoors