Most pandemics have lasted 6-12 months. At the first sign that a pandemic has actually begun, and has reached your area, the following are suggestions to help you keep your family as safe as possible

• Do not go to school, and avoid public exposure

• Keep out of public places as much as possible. If you must shop, choose off hours to limit exposure to others. Use MRE's and your own stored foods as much as possible, to avoid the need to shop (replace MRE's at earliest convenience)

• Do not accept change - bring exact change, if possible

• Wear face masks whenever in proximity of people

• Wear non-latex rubber gloves, to avoid contact with doorknobs, gas pumps etc. When removing gloves, do so from inside out, careful not to touch outside of gloves, or touching outside of glove to your skin or clothing. Dispose of carefully, then wash for at least 30 seconds. Use non-latex because latex allergy is easy to incur and can cause serious reactions or even death

• Wash hands after every time you go out. Wash regularly & often, 30 seconds minimum in hot water.

• Change all clothing after going in public, and wash in hot water

• Each person should be careful not to bring any contamination back into the home. Use the precautions listed here

• If you must use a credit/debit card (not recommended any more than necessary), swipe it yourself

• Keep doorknobs etc. clean with an anti-viral cleaner like Lysol

• At first hint of any illness, see your doctor for a prescription of Tamiflu, or other aid. do NOT touch anything in the Dr. office or hospital, as other sick people have likely contaminated the area.

• Take probiotics (or live culture yogurt) daily, along with vitamins

• Limit what comes into the home to necessities only. Use non-latex rubber gloves when handling anything coming into the home, including mail. Touch nothing that others have touched, unless you use gloves. Act as if anything coming into the home can kill you - because it can

• Do not allow "mail trash" to remain in the home. Using gloves, take it out and burn it

• Keep hands away from eyes, nose & mouth

KEEP ON HAND:

Non-latex rubber gloves - at least a few boxes

A few dozen masks, minimum

Probiotics - at least 180 per person

Vitamins - 6 month supply

If possible, keep a supply of food on hand, to avoid too many trips into the public.
Canned goods, kept in a basement, can last several years. Rotate them.