Pandemic Flu – Checklist

During a pandemic you may not be able to get to a store.  Even if you can get to a store, it may BE OUT OF SUPPLIES.  Use this checklist for pandemic planning.  It’s also useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.  Store foods that are nonperishable (will keep for a long time) and don’t require refrigeration, are easy to prepare in case you are unable to cook and require little or no water, so you can conserve water for drinking.

Food and Non-Perishable Items:

❒ Ready to eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups

·        Meats: chicken, tuna, salmon, SPAM, summer sausage, etc.

·        Fruits: pineapple, mixed fruit, peaches, pears, etc.

·        Vegetables: green beans, peas, corn, asparagus, etc.

·        Soups: stew, chili, chicken noodle, beef noodle, tomato, creams, etc.

❒ Powdered milk

❒ Protein or fruit bars

❒ Dry cereal, granola, oatmeal, etc.

❒ Dried fruit, peanut butter, nuts, raisins, trail mix

❒ Canned pastas (such as Ravioli)

❒ Dry pasta packages, Ramen noodles

❒ Crackers/cookies

❒ Canned juices

❒ Spaghetti sauce (jarred or canned)

❒ Canned dry drink mixes: Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Tang, hot chocolate, instant coffee

❒ Water (gallons and individual bottles)

❒ Pancake or waffle mix (one step)

❒ Canned or jarred baby food and formula

❒ Flour, sugar, salt, pepper

❒ Pet food

Medical, Health and Emergency Supplies:

❒ Prescription and non-prescription medications (pain reliever, cold medicine, allergy)

❒ Prescribed medical supplies (glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment)

❒ Soap or alcohol-based hand wash

❒ Fever medication for adult and/or children (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin)

❒ Thermometer

❒ Anti-diarrhea medication

❒ Vitamins

❒ Fluids with electrolytes (Gatorade, PowerAde, Pedialyte)

Miscellaneous Supplies:

❒ Cleansing agents/soaps (body soap, laundry soap, shampoo, dish soap)

❒ Flashlight with batteries

❒ Portable radio with batteries

❒ Manual can opener

❒ Garbage bags, paper plates, plastic utensils

❒ Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers, tampons, toothpaste and floss

❒ Candles and matches

As you stock your pantry with these items, it’s a good idea to rotate food items out of “emergency storage” and into your daily meals.  (First in, first out!)  Restock your pantry according to expiration dates.