Are you and your family prepared
for Bird Flu? Do you need to?
According to the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, the answer is yes.
 “Everyone should prepare for the Bird Flu in much the same way they should be prepared for any emergency such as blizzards, floods, or tornados. The only difference is that instead of just a three day supply of food, water, and other supplies, you should have at least a weeks worth on hand,” states Dr. David Grossman, Health Commissioner for the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department.
 Bird Flu, which is the same as Avian Flu, is a disease that occurs only in birds at this time. The fear, according to the experts, is that the virus that causes Bird Flu will mutate or change so that it can easily infect humans. If that were to happen, then the Bird Flu virus could become the germ that causes a worldwide outbreak or pandemic. This is the reason why everyone should prepare.
“The first and best defense is what you do in your own home. The Health Department suggests following the “3 Up” method: Wash up. Stock up. Listen up,” according to Dr. Grossman.
Experts believe that a worldwide outbreak will happen someday, although no one knows exactly when. What is certain is that our everyday lives will drastically change during a pandemic. Be prepared by following the “3 Up” plan. |
 1. Wash Up. Hand washing is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illness. Parents should remind their children to wash their hands frequently. Wash hands with soap and hot water, as hot as you can comfortably stand, and scrub hands and arms for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing your ABC’s or Happy Birthday). Alcoholbased sanitizer (60% -95%) can be used if soap and water are not available. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue. Always wash hands after you cough or sneeze. Stay away from people who are sick. Stay home from work or school if you become sick.
2. Stock Up. If a pandemic were to occur, everyone may be asked to stay home to prevent the spread of germs. Schools could close and public events may be cancelled. There may be a disruption of normal services such as utilities. It will be important to have an extra one to two week’s supply of non-perishable foods, fresh water, and medical supplies (including prescribed medicines) on hand. You may not be able to leave your home or supplies may be gone. Prepare now by creating a stockpile of emergency supplies. Purchase your supplies over time to limit the financial impact and prevent store shortages. As a handy reminder, clip the “Be Prepared for Bird Flu” list and carry it with you when you shop.
3. Listen Up. An “Emergency Alert Message” is required of all radio stations when local officials issue them. It is important to listen to local and national radio stations and watch news reports on television. For continuous coverage, stay tuned to regular and “live” news broadcasts. |
