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Preparedness: an everyday task for everyday life
Consult your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Extreme tiredness
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Prepare for Potential Flu Outbreak
Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more widespread, thereby limiting potential for exposure to the virus. If a person does get sick and has extra supplies on hand, they will help reduce the spread of the flu by staying home.
- Store a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities (such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.). Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
- Insure that formula for infants and any child’s or older person’s special nutritional needs are a part of your planning. Store an extra supply of food for your pets.
- Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members.
The Red Cross recommends you take this opportunity to prepare your family for any disaster by getting a preparedness kit, making a plan and being informed. Up-to-the-minute updates on the swine flu can be found at the CDC Web site. People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC Web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.Hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires - make sure you and your family are prepared when disaster strikes your area. Find out what disasters occur in your geographic area and make sure that you have the appropriate supplies and information.
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community. Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?
Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. We encourage you to:
· Get a Kit
· Make a Plan
· Be Informed
Are You Red Cross Ready?
Take a Class Now!
Related Links:
National Weather Service
www.nws.noaa.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.fema.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
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