Stay Healthy

Preparing for a flu pandemic or any other emergency event is everyone’s responsibility. Just as governments and businesses plan for a flu pandemic, so too must individuals and families. Information on how individuals can protect themselves and prepare their households for a flu pandemic are provided below.

• Take common sense steps to limit the spread of germs. Make good hygiene a habit.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in a waste basket.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Practice good health habits.
• Eat a balanced diet. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include
   low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. Drink lots of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat.
• Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.
• Flu shots can help your family stay healthy.
• Get a flu shot to help protect yourself from seasonal flu.
• Get a pneumonia shot to prevent secondary infection if you are over the age of 65 or have a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma.
  Talk to your health care provider for specific guidelines.
• Make sure that your family’s immunizations are up-to-date.
• Stay Informed.

Keep up with the latest information on pandemic flu through your local media (television, newspaper, radio) and this and other websites. The Onondaga County Health Department, County Executive’s Office and the Department of Emergency Management will work with local news media to ensure County residents receive important communications, instructions and updates about pandemic flu or other emergency situations.

Prepare Your Household
Use the checklists below to help you prepare a reserve of food and supplies for your family in case of an emergency.

Food and Water
• Bottled Water – two gallons per person per day.
• Ready-to-eat canned foods – vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, fish, poultry, pasta, soup, juice.
• Milk –  powdered, canned or shelf-stable brick pack.
• High energy foods –  peanut butter, jelly, nuts, dried meats (e.g. jerky), granola, trail mix.
• Staples – sugar, salt, pepper, instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa.
• Small children's needs – baby food, formula, disposable diapers.
• Specialty food –  for elderly or people on special diets.
• Pet food (if needed).
• Disposable tableware, including paper towels and napkins.
• Manual can opener.

Health and Hygiene Supplies
• Prescription medication –  at least one week's supply.
• Medicines for fever, anti-diarrheal medication, vitamins.
• First aid kit and bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic, pain killers, tweezers, scissors.
• Toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies.
• Pre-moistened hand wipes – pre-moistened towelettes or baby wipes.
• Soap and water or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand gel.
• Toiletries – toothpaste, deodorant.

Household Supplies and Equipment
• One gallon of liquid chlorine bleach.
• Battery – powered radio.
• Flashlights – one in each room of the house.
• Extra batteries for radio and flashlights.
• Plastic bags – zip sealing, garbage.
• Cash/travelers checks.
• Food thermometer – able to measure temperature from 0 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cleaning supplies – disinfectant sprays/cleansers, paper towels, sponges, broom, mop, bucket.
• Tools – rope, shovel, hammer and nails, utility knife, work gloves, dust mask, duct tape, electrical tape.
• Fire extinguisher (small canister A-B-C type).
• Gasoline, propane fuel or charcoal (if you plan to use a generator, grill or camp stove, or barbecue grill, respectively).


For additional information and checklists on pandemic preparedness for individuals and families, please click here