The threat of bird flu pandemic has become very real to many people. The US government has taken many steps in preparing for a possible pandemic. However, preparing for a pandemic should not just be on a federal level. There are many things normal citizens can do to prepare themselves, and their homes for a possible avian flu pandemic. Citizens should seriously consider preparing their homes for a flu pandemic. The home will play a huge role in fighting the bird flu pandemic, so it must be stacked with the proper supplies.
Preparing your home for a pandemic begins with stocking up on food and water. During a pandemic, many people may not be able to leave their homes and travel to the store. However, if you are able to travel to the store, many of them will have a shortage of supplies, or may be completely out of supplies. A pandemic can interrupt public waterworks’ services, so stocking up on water supplies can be useful in this situation. The best foods to stock up on during a pandemic, include non perishables that don’t require refrigeration, foods that are easy to prepare in case you are unable to cook, and foods that require little or no water. The CDC recommends foods such as, canned goods, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal, dried fruit, bottled water, baby food, and pet food. Crackers, Gatorade, and other foods for sickness are also good to have during a pandemic.
A pandemic will cause a shortage of hospital beds, so many ill persons will have to be cared for at home. It’s a good idea to have plenty of over-the-counter painkillers, such as anti diarrhea medicines, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), which can be used for headaches, muscle pains. It’s also important to stock up on nasal decongestant for nasal discharge cough and congestion. Tissues and gloves are also important items to have during bird flu pandemic. The gloves can be used to collect any of the contaminated tissues. Your home should also be stock with plenty of cleansing agents, such as hand cleansers and detergent. A pandemic may also cause so people to consider another power source, and it’s always good to have flashlights, and batteries. Some other important items to have included a portable radio, a manual can opener, garbage bags, diapers and toilet paper.
Some people may be less prepared than others, so it is also good to try and help your neighbors. If you have extra supplies, it may be possible to help sick neighbors in need. During a pandemic, it is important that people constantly work to help each other. Supplies like painkillers will be short during a pandemic, so it’s helpful to share with others. It’s also a good idea to prepare a room for any sick family members or friends. Having a quarantined room will reduce further spreading of the virus. The room used for the infected should also be clean and sanitized, to promote a greater chance of recovery. Using a specific area for the sick will also make the caretaker's job easier and more convenient.
It’s also important to stock up on anti-bacterial products, during a pandemic. Anti-bacterial cleaning products will help protect your family against the virus. These products will also make it easier for infected persons to recover. Your home should also be cleaned using these products, during an infection and after an infection. There are also some things to avoid in case of a flu pandemic, which include using tobacco and alcohol. Parents should also avoid giving aspirin to children under the age of eighteen without first consulting a physician.