Pandemic Flu EMERGENCY KIT As many as 1 in 4 people could get sick during a pandemic, with many of them seriously ill. Services and supplies we count on everyday may not be available. Every individual and family could be on their own, without care, for quite a while. This makes being prepared even more important. Because everyday life may be different during a pandemic flu and services could be disrupted, make sure you have these items in your emergency preparedness kit:

• Two weeks worth of food for you and your family. This should be food that does not need refrigeration. Foods like canned meats and fish, beans, soups, fruits, and dry goods like flour, salt, and sugar, are good choices.
• Water stored in sealed, unbreakable containers. If water service is disrupted, plan on one gallon for each person for each day, for up to two weeks.
• Two weeks worth of prescription medicines.
• Cell phone and charger.
• Disinfectants and chlorine bleach.
• Two weeks worth of ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for each person in the house for fever and pain. A two-week supply of cough medicine.
• Rehydration Solution, for example Pedialyte for kids, Gatorade for adults and teens. Please see the box above for instructions to make a rehydration solution for adults and teens. For children, especially infants and toddlers, a store-bought solution is strongly recommended.
• Suppy of face masks and plastic gloves. These will help protect you, especially if you are taking care of family members who are sick with the disease.

You can get more information on putting together a complete Emergency Preparedness Plan and Kit from the American Red Cross. Call 831-424-4824 from Monterey 831-375-5730 or visit their website at www.redcross.org.