Information on Stocking Up For Possible Avian Flu Pandemic

Experts recommend that you prepare for AT LEAST one month of quarantine in your home. Some advise stockpiling supplies for up to three months. Try buying for three extra days each grocery trip to reduce the expense incurred. This is a list of items that will help you prepare yourself and your family.

1. Water-plan on two gallons per person per day

• This supplies each person with water to drink, cook with, and cleanse
• Water can be purchased in 3-5 gallon Mylar bags that discourage the growth of microorganisms
• Water can also be purchased in a Nitro-pack 20 gallon container.
• Change water out every six months to keep it fresh.
• Store in a cool, dark place.
• If you need water from alternative sources (rainwater, bathtub, (fill if you are concerned that you might lose water service) rivers, lakes) purify the water with 8 drops of bleach for each gallon of water. You can also use chlorine or iodine tablets that can be purchased at sporting goods stores.

2. Food items should be purchased that will satisfy the nutritional and emotional needs of your family. Buy foods that will meet your needs for 30-90 days.

• Store food in dry, cool place. Mark date of purchase on your food and use oldest foods first.
• Buy freeze-dried, dehydrated, canned, or regular dry staples.
• Plan on at least one balanced meal a day and two quarts of water for each person to maintain body functions.
• Suggestions for types of food to buy.
• Crackers are better than breads for spreads like peanut butter, cheeses.
• Ready to eat cereals and hot cereals are good for energy.
• Dry beans are good for cooking soups.
• Store dry milk or packages of rice or soy milk. Canned milk is an alternative.
• Store freeze-dried meats, jerky, canned meats or fish.
• Nuts and nut butters.
• Dry soup mixes.
• Extra salt, sugar, baking soda.
• Jello and pudding mixes.
• Dried fruits, canned fruits.
• Juices in cans.
• Gatorade or other drinks that provide electrolytes.
• Fresh foods that store well: onions, potatoes, yams, turnips, carrots, lemons, garlic, sweet potatoes, beets, apples.
• Comfort foods are also important: honey, syrup, sugar, chocolate bars, hard candy, freeze-dried coffee, tea bags, instant hot chocolate.
• Pet food for animals.

4. Home Pharmacy Supplies

• Toilet paper
• Alcohol
• Antiseptic soap
• Antimicrobial wipes
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Soap bars
• Shampoo
• Heavy duty plastic bags
• Toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Razor blades
• Shaving cream
• One-three months of prescription meds
• Basic first aid kit with bandages
• Thermometers-at least two
• Pain medication-a variety of aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen
• Antacid
• Medication for diarrhea
• Protective surgical gloves

5. Home Supplies

• Extra matches
• Candles-preferably long-lasting ones
• Extra batteries in variety of sizes
• Flashlights with new batteries
• Battery-operated radio
• Solar-powered calculator
• Wrenches to turn off water and gas utilities if needed
• Bleach for water purification and sanitation purposes

6. Cooking without Power

• Outdoor charcoal barbecue and extra briquettes
• Propane for outdoor grill