During a flu pandemic, you may have to stay home for several days.  Have at least two weeks supply of non-perishable food and water on hand.  You will need at least one gallon of water per day, per family member and pets.   Additional water or fluids with electrolytes will be needed if anyone in your family has flu.  Stock additional baby food, formula and diapers to also last two weeks.  Rotate your supply of food and water every six months to keep them fresh.

Make certain to store medical supplies as well.  Keep a supply of over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat the flu.  Also, store supplies you may need to use to care for someone in your family if they get the flu, such as latex gloves and masks.  Talk with your health-care provider about getting extra prescription medication for chronic illnesses and conditions.  Buy or create a basic first-aid kit.  Be certain to include extra rubber gloves or surgical masks that can be used if you are caring for sick family members.  In the event of a flu pandemic, you may not be able to rely on government services. If the pandemic is severe, government services may be overwhelmed. Please be patient.

The following checklists can help you prepare for a flu pandemic:

• Family Planning Guide and Checklist (pdf file) (from Department of Health and Human Services)
• Emergency Contacts and Medical Information Sheet (pdf file) (from Department of Health and Human Services)

All businesses have a responsibility to plan ahead for a potential flu pandemic.  Businesses will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety.  By preparing for a flu pandemic, businesses will be able to better withstand reduced productivity and potential temporary shutdown of operations.  These actions will help alleviate the negative impact a flu pandemic would have on the overall economy. 

Businesses that provide critical infrastructure (electricity, telecommunications, water) will be crucial in the event of a crisis.  Businesses may want to review their sick leave policies. For example, can an employee use his/her sick leave when a member of his/her family becomes ill? Businesses may also want to consider telecommuting as an alternative to shutting down an operation. Are your employees equipped to work from home? 

The following resources can  help local businesses prepare for a flu pandemic:

• NEW Correctional Facilities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (from Centers for Disease Control)
• NEW Law Enforcement Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (from Centers for Disease Control)
• Business Continuity of Operations Pandemic Influenza Annex Template (from Macomb County Health Department)
• Business and Industry Planning Checklist (pdf file) (from Centers for Disease Control)
• OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic (pdf file)
• OSHA Guidance Update on Protecting Employees from Avian Influenza
• Pandemic Planning (from U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• Stopping the Spread of Germs at Work (from Centers for Disease Control)

Local education facilities will need to prepare for a flu pandemic as there will likely be issues with high staff absences and large numbers of affected students. For example, school districts will need to consider alternative methods of teaching if there are extended school closings.  Are Web-based models of teaching appropriate and feasible?  How will schools handle the care or quarantine of students who come to school sick?  There are dozens of other issues to consider and every school district is responsible for developing its own response plan. 

The following checklists can help local education facilities guide their preparations for a flu pandemic:

• NEW Michigan Schools Pandemic Planning Workbook & Online Toolkit for Educators (from MI Departments of Education & Community Health)
• Child Care Facility Checklist (pdf file) (from Department of Health and Human Services)
• K-12 School Checklist (pdf file) (from Department of Health and Human Services)
• College and University Checklist (pdf file) (from Department of Health and Human Services)
• Pandemic Flu: A Planning Guide for Educators (from U.S. Department of Education)

Health care providers will be critical in responding to a flu pandemic.  Several checklists have been provided for various health care providers:

• EMS Checklist (pdf file) (from Centers for Disease Control)
• Health Care (pdf file) (from Centers for Disease Control)
• Long-Term Care Facility Checklist (pdf file) (from Centers for Disease Control)
• Medical Office Checklist (pdf file) (from Centers for Disease Control)
• NEW  Health Insurer Checklist (pdf file) (from Centers for Disease Control)

• If your children's school or daycare center closes, where will you take them? Are you able to take them to work with you, or will you need to stay home?
• If public transportation is disrupted, do you have an alternative way to get to work?
• Do you have an elderly family member who relies on meals on wheels, or any other government assistance? If so, you may want to check whether those services are still being delivered.
• Are you able to work from home? If not, do you know your company's leave policies?
• Do you have a two-week supply of water, non-perishable foods, and personal supplies in your home for each family member?
• Do you have a supply of food and water in your home for your pets?
• Do you know each family member's medical history and what medications he/she is taking?
• Do you have all household goods you would need during an emergency (portable radio, flashlights, batteries, manual can opener, etc.?)