Now that H1N1 is making a comeback in the MSM, it may cause more people to at least consider the possibilities of what may occur in their own lives and hopefully will encourage more articles like this:
Published Friday August 7, 2009
HealthWise: Prepare at home for H1N1
By Sandra Wendel
http://omaha.com/article/20090807/LIVING01/708079905
Let’s say thousands are stricken with the flu. Your employer may ask you to stay home. Schools are closed. Now what?
A pandemic flu might create a run on stocking up and wipe out local grocery store supplies in hours. Stores here generally carry a three-day supply of food. Witness the runs on milk, bread, and fresh and frozen items when a snowstorm is predicted.
Preparedness experts are recommending that households stock a two-week supply of food and a three-month supply of medications now. Unlike a weather disaster, a pandemic should not shut down electricity, water, other utilities, the Internet, or phones. There is some concern that if citizens are at home from work and children are not in school, activity on the Internet could be extremely heavy.
For long sieges at home, parents may want to bring in old-fashioned board games, books, and DVDs to keep children engaged, suggests Dena Howard, director of Partner Services for the American Red Cross Heartland Chapter.
Sandra Wendel is a freelance health and medical writer in the Omaha area.
“Unlike a weather disaster, a pandemic should not shut down electricity, water, other utilities, the Internet, or phones.”
I’m not so sure about the local utilities. The flu will affect various regions at various times, with a 6 to 8 week window with maximum sickness rates. If you work with the local water utility, several of your coworkers may be sick and out with the flu. Several others may stay home for fear of getting the flu. Others will be staying home to care for children that are home because the schools are closed. And others may be home to care for family members that are sick.