Restocking The Shelves
Ever since the threat of bird flu a few years back I have tried to keep an extra stash of necessary items in my basement: water, toilet paper, food, etc.
Anytime there was a particularly good sale on one of the items officials said were important to have on hand, I would buy a few extra and stash them away. But then I’d raid the stash because the cupboard was empty or the food was in danger of expiring. Sometimes I would replenish my supply…sometimes I wouldn’t. Unfortunately that was my situation when this recent outbreak of swine flu ramped up.
I knew I had been delinquent in the preparedness category and this just underlined the fact.
So last night I went to the store and bought an unusual amount of canned food as well as some gallons of water. I noticed the water supply did seem to be a bit low, so I wondered and hoped that other people were preparing for the worst.
I don’t want to create a run on our local stores, but I do hope you will join me in being at least a bit prepared for disaster.
In August of 2006 I did a story on a Community Pandemic Flu Planning Session sponsored by the Wetzel-Tyler Health Department. The story then said, “People should have a good supply of water, non-perishable foods, and other basic needs. Examples of food and non-perishable items: ready to eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups; protein or fruit bars; dry cereal and granola; peanut butter or nuts; dried fruit; crackers; canned juices; bottled water; canned or jarred baby food and formula; and pet food.
“Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies: prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment; soap and water or alcohol-based hand wash; medicines for fever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen; thermometer; anti-diarrheal medication; vitamins; fluids with electrolytes; cleansing agent/soap; flashlight; batteries; portable radio; manual can opener; garbage bags; tissues; toilet paper; disposable diapers.