Sheltering In Place

Depending on the severity of a pandemic, sheltering in place could be voluntary, but may be mandatory.  Families should prepare at least two weeks of emergency supplies including food, water, medicines, etc., but should be prepared for up to 12 weeks.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), isolation of the infected individual would last for the period of communicability of the illness, which varies by disease and the availability of specific treatment.  Typically the ill person would be in a separate room and cared for by those who wear protective clothing.  Quarantine, on the other hand, lasts only as long as necessary to protect the public by (1) providing public health care (such as immunization or drug treatment) and (2) ensuring that quarantined persons do not infect others if they have been exposed to a contagious disease.  If people in a certain area were potentially exposed to a contagious disease: State and local health authorities would let people know that they may have been exposed and would direct them to get medical attention, undergo diagnostic tests, and stay at home, limiting their contact with people who have not been exposed to the disease. Only rarely would federal, state, or local health authorities issue an "order" for quarantine and isolation.  However, both quarantine and isolation may be compelled on a mandatory basis through legal authority as well as conducted on a voluntary basis.

Having food, water, medicines, etc. will help individuals and families not have to leave their place of shelter and risk becoming exposed and infected.  Make sure you have your basic emergency kit  on hand which includes a radio.  You may need to put a sign on your front door showing you are in quarantine.  

Those living in areas with undependable water, electricity, and food availability should prepare emergency supplies accordingly (nonperishable food, potable water, medicines, etc.) Water purification techniques for drinking water such as boiling, filtering, and adding chlorine to locally available rainwater, lakes, rivers, and wells may replace the need to store large quantities of water. 

Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms and is the most reliable method of purifying water easily.  Bring the water to a boil for two minutes.  Add one minute for each 5,000 feet of elevation.

The addition of chlorine bleach to water is also a viable  alternative.  For clear water, add 8 drops per gallon and let stand for at least 15 minutes.  If the water is cloudy, add twice as much bleach.  Bleach used for water purification should be unscented and have a concentration of sodium hypochlorite of at least 4%.

In addition to these methods, are the use of water filters.  These physically remove particles, protozoa and bacteria including giardia, salmonella, cryptosporidium and others. 

On a daily basis, while sheltering in place, cover your cough.  Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to kill viruses and bacteria or use a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content when soap and water are not available.  Use a N95 mask and disposable gloves to help prevent spread of infection.

For long term food reserves, see http://ARKready.myefoods.com