What can an average person do to be prepared?
The basics for preparing for a pandemic is similar to preparing for a regional disaster, such as hurricane or ice storm, except for a few added precautions:
- Have at least two weeks worth of stored food that does not need refrigeration. Don’t forget to store enough for kids, pets and other special diets. Increase your supplies if you have the means or the space.
- Store enough water for your family for at least two weeks- the recommended amount is at least one gallon per person per day.
- Have a power outage kit, which means backup lighting, cooking and communications, in case of power disruptions, Your car survival kit should also be fully stocked.
- Have some emergency cash.
- Keep a fully stocked first aid kit, complete with backup prescriptions
- Make sure you also have toilet and sanitation provisions
- Be aware – pay attention to the news, both mainstream and alternate sources.
Stock up on additional supplies if you can, including:
- N-95 face masks
- goggles
- gloves
- hand soap and antibacterial wipes
- bleach – a good standby when in comes to disinfect surfaces. According to the Clorox website, use 2 tbsp bleach to one gallon of water, to sanitize a surface. Bleach loses its potency so always mix a fresh batch for cleaning.
- garbage bags for disposal of waste
Bolster your Immune System
Strengthening your immune system is always good to do, whether there is a risk or pandemic or not:
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Relax and avoid stress.
- Exercise at least three to four days a week.
- Eat a healthy diet. Take vitamin supplements if you feel you don’t eat well enough.
A few other tips:
Avoid crowds Being among lots of people increases your chances of getting contaminated. If you live in a condo or apartment complex, you would need to avoid common areas, possibly take the stairs that are used less frequently than elevators. If you must be around others, you’d need to wear a mask
Wash your hands Get everyone in the family in the habit of washing their hands as they come home from public places and before eating. If you cannot wash your hands right away, use antibacterial wipes.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze Use tissues or a handkerchief to cover up and avoid spreading germs.
Stop touching your eyes and face Once you touch something with germs, and you touch near your eyes or mouth, you can instantly catch a disease. Be aware of this and if you cannot wash your hands right away, at least keep your hands away from your face.
Disinfect surfaces around you Droplets from coughing and sneezing travel several feet. These germ filled droplets can last for hours on surfaces such as paper, steel or plastic. For this reason, keep a box of antibacterial wipes and clean door knobs, light switches and other commonly touched items around you.
Learn basic first aid and herbal remedies If there is a pandemic, hospital emergency rooms and doctors’ office would be overwhelmed, and also filled with contagious people. If you had a minor issue such as a cut or a cold, and can take care of it at home using first aid or over the counter remedies, you are better off avoiding these places.
Preparing for a pandemic is similar to being prepared for other disasters. There is no need to panic or live in fear – being prepared will help you sleep better at night.