Stocking Up Time

This is not a good sign. I would consider it a major bad sign even. The Dept. of Health and Human Services is advising us to prepare for extended stays at home by stocking up on groceries, OTC drugs and all that stuff. I try and keep at least a months worth of stuff on hand all the time anyway and especially stuff that I can use for multiple purposes like whole wheat flour, rice, canned beans and tomatoes, boxes of broth, pasta and all that. It is just prudent in an area where we get hurricanes and in the winter ice storms that can take days to recover from. BTW if you stock up on stuff make sure you have a way to cook it. Don't forget also that dehydration can kill you in days while it takes weeks to starve to death.

From the Post

Experts say the best way to wait out a pandemic, which could last months, is to stay away from other people and keep close to home.

"During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters," the HHS guide says.

HHS's Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families, available on the agency's Web site, PandemicFlu.gov, advises:

Teaching children to wash hands frequently and appropriately, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, and modeling the correct behavior.

Having ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, bottled water and cleaning supplies on-hand for an extended stay at home.

Having any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.

Talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in another home.