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ENTRY C-07Pandemic and disease outbreak: what to have at home
The Pennsylvania Department of Health advises storing at least a 2-week supply of basics, so you can stay home with little outside help. FEMA's Ready.gov says buy supplies slowly so everyone gets what they need, and follow CDC guidance.
The 2-week checklist
Ticks save on this device. List from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day (see W-02)
- Ready-to-eat canned meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and beans
- Protein bars, dry cereal, peanut butter, nuts, dried fruit, crackers
- Baby food and formula, if needed
- Pet food
- Prescription medicines
- Thermometer
- Non-aspirin pain reliever and fever medicine
- First aid kit (see A-01)
- Cleaning supplies: bleach and disinfectant spray
- Soap, toilet paper, tissues, hygiene products, diapers
- Glasses or contact lens solution
- Battery radio, flashlight, extra batteries, manual can opener
- Garbage bags and extra blankets
Make a plan
- Plan for schools and workplaces closing, and be ready to work and learn from home (ReadyWisconsin).
- Check on elderly or disabled neighbors and ask what they need (Pennsylvania DOH).
Where to get information
FEMA's Ready.gov says to follow the guidance of the CDC. Use your state and local health department for local rules.
Common mistakes
- Panic-buying in one trip. Ready.gov says buy slowly so everyone can get what they need.
- Forgetting prescriptions. Check your supply regularly so you are never down to the last few days.
- Stocking food that needs cooking, then having no power.
- Getting health advice from social media instead of the CDC and your health department.
Gear for this
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Digital thermometer
On the Pennsylvania DOH list. You will want to track fevers properly.
Disinfectant spray and bleach
Named on the Pennsylvania DOH household list.
Ready-to-eat emergency food
Food you can eat without cooking, for 2 weeks.
Questions people ask
How much food should I store for a pandemic?
Health departments advise at least a 2-week supply of basic items.
What should be in a pandemic kit?
Water, ready-to-eat food, prescriptions, a thermometer, pain and fever medicine, cleaning supplies and hygiene items.
Where should I get information during an outbreak?
Ready.gov says follow CDC guidance. Use your state and local health department too.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Health: Flu Pandemic, Individuals and Families
- Ready.gov (FEMA): Pandemics
- ReadyWisconsin: Pandemic
Related entries
- W-02How much water to store for an emergency1 gallon per person per day. Work out your household total in 10 seconds.
- A-01What to put in a home first aid kit (Red Cross checklist)The 19 items the Red Cross recommends for a family of four. Tick them off as you go.
- C-05Chemical spill or release: how to shelter in place and seal a roomGet in, shut everything, air off, seal one room with plastic and tape, radio on.
General safety information only, not medical or professional advice. Rules can change, so check the linked sources and follow your local officials. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.