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.

This is the third in a series of articles on pandemic and perhaps the most important. As stated earlier, a pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of an infectious disease for which humans have no immunity, which is very contagious, and which causes serious illness. As stated in the last article, the better prepared you are, the greater the chances of survival for you and your family. The following are easy steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Basic Protective Measures for Individuals During a Pandemic
Avoid all crowds and public places (i.e., restaurants, malls, churches, movie theaters, sports events, etc.).
Avoid hand contact with people and objects in public places.
Cough or sneeze into facial tissues and dispose of appropriately.
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hand, if tissues are not available.
Wash hands frequently, especially after being in public places.
When washing hands, remove all rings and scrub for fifteen seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice) with liquid soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60 percent or greater alcohol content).
Wear protective clothing like masks and goggles.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
Stay at home when sick and wear a mask to protect people around you.

Supplies to Keep on Hand
- Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and radio
- Extra batteries
- Manual can opener
- N95 masks (20 ct. for 15-$20.00) and surgical masks (50 ct. for $5.98 ) @ http://www.allheart.com/
- Eye protectors or eyeglasses
- Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, disposable diapers
- Garbage bags
- Bleach, disinfectant surface wipes
- Soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer (alcohol content 60 percent or more)
- Cash

Medical Supplies to Have On Hand
- Prescription drugs
- Glucose monitors
- Fever reducers and pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Cough and flu medication
- Thermometer
- Electrolyte drink (water, sugar, baking soda, salt, salt substitute) or pedialyte

Water and Food Supplies to Stock
Water
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, beans, and soup
High-energy foods (protein or fruit bars)
Dry cereal or granola
Dried milk
Nuts and dried fruits
Peanut butter
Crackers
Canned juices
Baby food
Pet food

Helpful Resources
http://www.emaberks.com/
http://www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us/>
http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.redcross.org/
Red Cross Hotline: 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or 610-375-4383
CDC Hotline 1-800-232-4636

For presentations on pandemics, contact Louise Grim, BCPAC chairperson: grimlou@verizon.net .

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