Family Checklist In The Event OF A Swine Flu Pandemic

        With news of the swine flu spreading by the hour, many people are wondering what does that mean for me and what can I do if this grows into a full blown pandemic?
      Since a pandemic is a global problem and we can’t control what is happening in other countries or even what is happening in our own country at times, the idea of the swine flu as a pandemic can make you feel helpless.  But each of us can control ourselves and how we respond if the flu does become widespread enough to go from serious to a pandemic.
    According to www.Pandemicflu.gov, there are several common sense actions we can all take.  First be prepared.  It can lower the impact the flu will have on you and your family.  That means make a list of your family’s medications and what family members may have allergies or any health concerns.  Experts say depending on how fast virus hits, you may need this information at you finger tips.
    Also be prepared for tough times. 
Here’s a list of what to be prepared for from http://www.Pandemicflu.gov.

1) Plan for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, banks, restaurants, government offices, telephone and cellular phone companies, and post offices.

2) Stores may close or have limited supplies. The planning checklists can help you determine what items you should stockpile to help you manage without these services

3) Transportation services may be disrupted and you may not be able to rely on public transportation. Plan to take fewer trips and store essential supplies.

4) Public gatherings, such as volunteer meetings and worship services, may be canceled. Prepare contact lists including conference calls, telephone chains, and email distribution lists, to access or distribute necessary information.

5) Consider that the ability to travel, even by car if there are fuel shortages, may be limited.

6) You should also talk to your family about where family members and loved ones will go in an emergency and how they will receive care, in case you cannot communicate with them.

7) In a pandemic, there may be widespread illness that could result in the shut down of local ATMs and banks. Keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks in small denominations for easy use.

8) Food and water supplies may be interrupted so temporary shortages could occur. You may also be unable to get to a store. To prepare for this possibility you should store at least one to two weeks supply of non-perishable food and fresh water for emergencies.

9) In a severe pandemic, hospitals and doctors’ offices may be overwhelmed.

If you have a chronic disease, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or depression, you should continue taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Make sure you have necessary medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment.
Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure adequate access to your medications.
If you receive ongoing medical care such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or other therapies, talk with your health care provider about plans to continue care during a pandemic.
A “Family Emergency Health Information Sheet” is provided in this guide and at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/familyhealthinfo.html