In An Emergency--Be Prepared

I remember seeing photos and reading stories of the 1918 flu epidemic which killed millions of persons worldwide nad in the US. A typical Sunday worship service in some places included a pastor and three or four widely scattered congregants, all wearing masks. It was a dark and intimidating period.

Last week, the Northfield clergy attended another update on the avian flu virus threat. We met at the Northfield Hospital and received a refresher course on the disease and its activity levels around the world. Part of the message was this: if anyone thinks the H5N1 risks have gone away or decreased, they are mistaken. Historically, pandemics like the 1918 flu were diagnosed a decade or more before they spread widely to a world populace. Avian flu was first diagnosed just about 10 years ago.

In that decade there have been under 400 diagnosed human cases--a bit over 100 in Indonesia, a bit over 100 in Vietnam, and around 40 or so in Egypt. The rest are distributed elsewhere. There is about a 65-70% mortality rate associated with the disease.

Since there is no pill or procedure to "cure"the illness, practical public and personal health steps seem the most relevant in case of an outbreak. In other words, the most useful method to prevent illness is to prevent transmission from person to person. If there were a major outbreak, the most effective way to contain the illness would be to restrict or minimize person to person interactions. We might possibly be encouraged to remain in our homes for a period of time, not to go to workplaces, schools, or other public gathering places. Hospitals might even need to be closed since they could only offer palliative care for the ill, while jeopardizing their own medical staff.

Individual households can prepare for the possibility of a pandemic by storing 3-days to two-weeks'supplies at home, then using and replenishing the supplies routinely so that they do not spoil or become outdated. The federal standards suggest: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation, food for theee or more days, battery powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA weather radio with extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, dust masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape, personal sanitation items (including moist towelettes, garbage bags and ties), tools, wrench or pliers to turn off utilties, can opener for food, local maps.

Other suggested items: prescription medicines, infant or pet foods and items, important family documents--including insurance policies, ID, etc. in a portable, water-proof container, cash and change, emergency reference materials, sleeping bags or blankets for all, changes of clothing, cold-weather outerwear, household chlorine bleach (for cleansing items or treating water), matches, personal hygiene items, activities, games, books, etc. Emergency information, SSNs, etc. For more federal information, you may go to ready.gov Such preparations help you to prepare for a variety of other natural disasters, including flooding or tornadoes.