Preparation
Preparation for a avain/bird flu pandemic is similar to preparing for a hurricane or nuclear-terrorism threat. Today's economy often relies on just-in-time delivery, meaning that stores keep their shelves stocked with food and other consumables as needed. Any significant disruption to those deliveries due to a potential flu pandemic (avian/bird or other type) will cause serious disruption to the food supply. If you live in a hurricane prone area, extend your hurricane supplies and keep them around all year.
A question to consider is what happens if the power goes out or other utilities are lost as is often the case during a hurricane? The United States National Hurricane Center recommends at least 1 gallon of WATER per person per day for 7 days for a hurricane - is that enough for a bird flu pandemic, no one knows. The serious planner should consider the loss of power a distinct possibility during a flu pandemic.
Stocking up now is important if you wish to be prepared later. Buy a few extra non-perishable items each time you go to the store and rotate them so that the oldest ones are consumed first. Buying a few extra items and storing them is cheap insurance for a pandemic possibility.
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• Canned fruit and vegetables (peas, carrots etc)
• Dried pastas
• Rice
• Canned meat (fish, meat, poultry and the like)
• Soups
• Potato (canned, mashed etc)
• Boxed long-shelf-life milk
• Tea and Coffee
• Vitamins to supplement your nutrition
• Water, Juices, soft-drinks
If you lose power or there are serious disruptions, these items will be critical:
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• non-electric can opener
• cooking tools/fuel
• clothing and sturdy shoes/rain gear
• Bug repellent, if you have no air conditioning for example
• Blankets or ways to generate heat if needed
• Flashlights/batteries
• Radios, battery operated
• Paper plates and plastic utensils
• Snack foods
• Cash, if Banks ATMs are distrupted as after Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Wilma, Rita
• Toys, books, games for entertainment
It is important to remember to stock up for pets too either with dry or canned food.
What about other supplies such as masks? If you believe that you might need them, now is the time to buy them. Once a pandemic starts, they will be in short supply. What about soap and alcohol based cleaners? It does not hurt to purchase a few extra, they keep.
The main question is, how long might you need to be self-sufficient without much support from the out-side world? That is the critical question in planning, one to which no one really knows an answer. However, you should consider what the maximum possible time you consider prudent and plan for that. Whether it is a week or a month, be prepared.
And also consider how you will handle relatives and friends. Do you need to purchase for them too?
Some people have recommended stocking up on TamiFlu, Relenza or other anti-viral medications - this is a personal choice that depends on the laws in your country or state, and on how seriously you view the situation.