Louise Grim is chairperson of the Berks County Pandemic Preparedness Advisory Council; Professor Emeritus, Alvernia College; a member of the Reading Hospital and Medical Center Emergency Preparedness Team; and a member of the UCC PSEC Disaster Ministries Response Team.

In the last article we talked about the likelihood of a high degree of absenteeism (up to forty percent) in the work force, caused by sickness, quarantine, or simply fear of exposure. This absence from work will impact all types of occupations and result in major disruptions in services. In this article we will discuss challenges you might encounter in a severe pandemic and how to prepare to meet these challenges.

Widespread social disruptions
In a severe pandemic, usual services will be disrupted. Hospitals may be overwhelmed with sick people, understaffed, and lacking in the necessary equipment and supplies to deal with the crisis. Police and firefighters may be in short supply. Utility workers may not be available to maintain essential services. Emergency management personnel may also be impacted. By being prepared, you will likely reduce the spread of infection and minimize your dependency on these services.

Stores and other public places may be closed
Food and medical supply chains may be interrupted, as fuel and drivers to transport goods may be in short supply. The same may apply to workers needed to stock shelves and keep grocery and drug stores open. Banks and other public places such as restaurants, stores, government offices, post offices, and churches may be required to close to diminish exposure risks. What impact will that have on you and your family? Having a two-to-three-week supply of non-perishable foods, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and water is crucial. Start stocking up now.

Transportation may be affected
During a pandemic, gasoline may be in short supply and public transportation severely curtailed. How will you get to work? Will you be able to carpool to work or work from home?

Schools and day-care centers may be closed
During a pandemic, schools and day-care centers will very likely be closed. Who will provide child care for your children? Do you have learning activities and materials, such as books, on hand? What plans do you have for recreational activities?

Getting to work may not be possible
Transportation, child care, and quarantine issues, not to mention illness, may prevent you from getting to work. You may want to check with your employer about leave policies and business continuity plans. Would you be able to work from home? You should also plan for reduction or loss of income in the event you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed.

Individuals with special needs will require assistance
Have you identified individuals with special needs in your immediate community? Are you able to assist an elderly neighbor or a single parent with small children, or a disabled person unable to access medical care? Meet with your neighbors and plan to help one another.

The better prepared you are, the better able you will be to reduce the impact of these social disruptions and reduce the spread of disease until a vaccine is available. In the next article we will outline some common-sense steps to protect yourself and your family and greatly increase your chances of survival during a pandemic. Stay tuned.

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