Preparation Guides
Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:25 am
ReadyMom's Prep Guide-From 'Pandemic Influenza, A Preparation Guide', brochure (available upon request ... just pm Admin. for a copy)
1. FOOD: "Stock what you eat - Eat what you stock". Consider food allergies and dislikes. Stock MINIMUM of 2 weeks of canned goods, rice, beans & other non-perishable food items. Add a few extra items on each shopping trip. Look for specials & bulk dry goods. Remember infant/toddler needs. (A thought to consider: A Pandemic can come in multiple waves (2-3) & disruption of stocking store shelves may last much longer. For that reason, you may want to consider stocking 6-12 weeks.) Don't forget items like a manual hand-mixer & manual can opener.
2. WATER: Store at LEAST 1 gallon, preferably 3 gallons, per person per day. One gallon would be for consumption (NOTE: You can die in 3 days without water to drink!) - the other two (2) would be for personal hygiene (washing up, brushing teeth) cooking and cleaning (dishes, laundry, etc.). Don't forget your pets. Start to save gallon milk jugs & 2-3 liter soda bottles for future water storage, in case of possible loss of water supply. Alternate water sources may include creeks, streams, lakes, and collected rainwater. Water Purification will be necessary for this water and possibly public water supply. Be prepared with un-scented household bleach or an alternate water purification method. (Consider
filters such a Miox & Black Berkey for large quantities of water purification vs the Brita type/size filters for daily use. These Miox/Berkey type filters also have the ability to remove larger amounts - about 99% of impurities like bacteria & virus).
3. ELECTRIC: Essential services such as gas & electric may be disrupted. Stock: flashlights, batteries, lanterns, candles (with appropriate enclosed holders), matches, battery-powered radio, land-line telephone (cordless require electricity!). Prepare alternate cooking sources such as gas grills & camp stoves (propane), charcoal grills (charcoal & starter). Consider getting a generator and appropriate fuel. Alternate fuel sources should be properly stored in approved containers in safe locations!
4. HEAT: Fuel supplies may be disrupted for fuel oil or propane delivery and natural gas line service. Store heavy blankets, sleeping bags and wood for fireplaces. An alternate 'buddy' heater can be used if there is electric but no gas service.
5. SANITATION: Trash removal may be disrupted due to illness. Store plenty of LARGE trash bags to last several weeks. Crush cans for optimum room. Disruption of water may affect toilet flushing. Store 5 gallon bucket with lid, plenty of plastic bag liners for temporary 'pottie'. (You may want to opt for storage of a spare toilet seat or temporarily remove existing one for comfort (wink) Have a bag of Garden Lime Powder on hand to add to used plastic bags to aid in decomposition.
6. MEDICATIONS & FIRST AID: If possible, obtain a 1-3 month supply of necessary prescriptions and over-the-counter medications (allergy, pain relief, cough & cold, etc..) for all family members. Prepare a first aid kit. Prepare for any elderly or disabled members of your household. Make sure you have extra meds, batteries & supplies on hand (oxygen, inhalers/nebulizers, wheelchairs, etc.)
7. PERSONAL SAFETY ITEMS: Approved N95 masks (protection from airborne virus) and plastic gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfecting cleaners, such as bleach and OTC products should be considered.
8. PERSONAL DOCUMENTS & RECORDS: Make copies of Certificates of Birth, Wedding, & Citizenship; Driver's License, Passport, misc... ID documents, deeds, Automobile titles, etc... Include medical records, a list of all relatives with names, addresses and phone numbers for emergency contact. Store in a waterproof package. (i.e.; large zip lock bag)
1. FOOD: "Stock what you eat - Eat what you stock". Consider food allergies and dislikes. Stock MINIMUM of 2 weeks of canned goods, rice, beans & other non-perishable food items. Add a few extra items on each shopping trip. Look for specials & bulk dry goods. Remember infant/toddler needs. (A thought to consider: A Pandemic can come in multiple waves (2-3) & disruption of stocking store shelves may last much longer. For that reason, you may want to consider stocking 6-12 weeks.) Don't forget items like a manual hand-mixer & manual can opener.
2. WATER: Store at LEAST 1 gallon, preferably 3 gallons, per person per day. One gallon would be for consumption (NOTE: You can die in 3 days without water to drink!) - the other two (2) would be for personal hygiene (washing up, brushing teeth) cooking and cleaning (dishes, laundry, etc.). Don't forget your pets. Start to save gallon milk jugs & 2-3 liter soda bottles for future water storage, in case of possible loss of water supply. Alternate water sources may include creeks, streams, lakes, and collected rainwater. Water Purification will be necessary for this water and possibly public water supply. Be prepared with un-scented household bleach or an alternate water purification method. (Consider
filters such a Miox & Black Berkey for large quantities of water purification vs the Brita type/size filters for daily use. These Miox/Berkey type filters also have the ability to remove larger amounts - about 99% of impurities like bacteria & virus).
3. ELECTRIC: Essential services such as gas & electric may be disrupted. Stock: flashlights, batteries, lanterns, candles (with appropriate enclosed holders), matches, battery-powered radio, land-line telephone (cordless require electricity!). Prepare alternate cooking sources such as gas grills & camp stoves (propane), charcoal grills (charcoal & starter). Consider getting a generator and appropriate fuel. Alternate fuel sources should be properly stored in approved containers in safe locations!
4. HEAT: Fuel supplies may be disrupted for fuel oil or propane delivery and natural gas line service. Store heavy blankets, sleeping bags and wood for fireplaces. An alternate 'buddy' heater can be used if there is electric but no gas service.
5. SANITATION: Trash removal may be disrupted due to illness. Store plenty of LARGE trash bags to last several weeks. Crush cans for optimum room. Disruption of water may affect toilet flushing. Store 5 gallon bucket with lid, plenty of plastic bag liners for temporary 'pottie'. (You may want to opt for storage of a spare toilet seat or temporarily remove existing one for comfort (wink) Have a bag of Garden Lime Powder on hand to add to used plastic bags to aid in decomposition.
6. MEDICATIONS & FIRST AID: If possible, obtain a 1-3 month supply of necessary prescriptions and over-the-counter medications (allergy, pain relief, cough & cold, etc..) for all family members. Prepare a first aid kit. Prepare for any elderly or disabled members of your household. Make sure you have extra meds, batteries & supplies on hand (oxygen, inhalers/nebulizers, wheelchairs, etc.)
7. PERSONAL SAFETY ITEMS: Approved N95 masks (protection from airborne virus) and plastic gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfecting cleaners, such as bleach and OTC products should be considered.
8. PERSONAL DOCUMENTS & RECORDS: Make copies of Certificates of Birth, Wedding, & Citizenship; Driver's License, Passport, misc... ID documents, deeds, Automobile titles, etc... Include medical records, a list of all relatives with names, addresses and phone numbers for emergency contact. Store in a waterproof package. (i.e.; large zip lock bag)