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Be prepared in the event of an influenza pandemicNearly every day the news is reporting something about the H1N1 flu. These reports usually pertain to the number of new cases reported or the shortage of the vaccine. If this disease should strike your family, are you prepared? Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension food specialist, said families often prepare for weather emergencies, but also need to prepare for a possible pandemic of influenza. "To help families prepare for emergency situations, the OSU Cooperative Extension Service has encouraged Oklahomans to keep emergency supplies of food and water on hand," Brown said. "In the event of a weather emergency, a three-day supply is usually sufficient. But in the event of an influenza pandemic, a kit containing a two-week supply of food and water is recommended." Individual and family planning is essential for two reasons. First, emergency responders must be ready at home to be able to respond in the community. Second, the better prepared citizens are in a community, the less stress on responders and demand for limited resources. To begin preparation, put together a supply of food, water, medicine and other supplies for yourself and your family that will last for two weeks. For those who have pets, be sure to include all necessities for your pets as well. How do you determine how much food, water and supplies you will need for two weeks? A helpful website, www.breadysd.com, can help you figure out exactly what and how much to put in your emergency kit. Brown said you will need to answer a few questions about your household and its needs and the bReady Emergency Kit Organizer will analyze the amounts and types of supplies you will need for your kit. "The bReadykit Wizard also will develop a purchase plan to help families purchase and build their kit over time since the cost of a kit may be too high for one shopping trip," Brown said. In addition to preparing an emergency kit, every individual and family should have a communication plan in the event of a disaster, whether it is weather, pandemic or otherwise. The plan should include information for all family members, including school, child care facilities and medical information for each family member. Ready America, Make a Plan is an online resource for developing a communication plan. It can be found at www.ready.gov. The site covers information for situations where evacuation is necessary, such as fire or floods, or when it is best to stay where you are in the event of an influenza pandemic or blizzards. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also has an influenza pandemic plan available online at www.hhs.gov/pandemicflu/plan. It is a blueprint for pandemic influenza preparation and response and provides guidance to national, state and local policy makers and health departments. "It's important to be prepared no matter what the emergency situation may be," Brown said.
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