Emergency Plan Guide - Be Prepared to Survive the Next ...



What do we need to know about the coronavirus?A special report for our neighbors as of February 27, 2020The news is filled with stories about how the coronavirus is spreading across the world, making people sick, impacting stock markets, etc. We want to be sure everyone is up to date with what we consider reliable information. As things change, we will continue to keep you informed.What’s the latest on the coronavirus?If you’ve been watching the news, you have heard that cases of the coronavirus are now being reported from all across the world. In spite of China’s efforts to contain it, the virus has now been found in more than 48 countries, including the U.S..Not everyone who gets the virus gets sick. In fact, people may have the virus, and give it to others, without even realizing it. In the U.S. we don’t yet have a simple test available that will tell us how the disease is spreading. So it’s likely that we will continue to have more and more cases.As the virus spreads, what should we expect? Even though it is a new disease, it does seem to be like other viruses. That is, it is spread by close contact. And even if a lot of people get the virus, most get well; only some of them die. So far, the most danger seems to be for health care workers and older people who already have serious health issues.One problem is that there is no “flu shot” to help keep people from getting the virus or to keep it from getting worse. It looks as though a safe vaccine will take many months to be developed and then distributed. Unfortunately, the U.S. government has cut funding for this type of research. The government has also eliminated top positions in many Federal departments that deal with widespread disaster. So U.S. response to the virus is being delayed.What should we do here at home?The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to avoid being exposed to it. Everyone can follow these basic sensible steps:Avoid close contact, particularly with people who are sick. “Close contact” includes touching, hugging, etc.Wash your hands often, with soap and water, to kill germs. Wash for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer that has 60-95% alcohol.Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands.If you cough or sneeze, smother it with a tissue and throw the tissue away.Clean high-touch objects and surfaces with disinfectant. (Phone, Computer keyboard. Kitchen counter, Bathroom faucets, Door handles)Most important:If you do get sick, stay home. If you have a persistent high fever or trouble breathing, contact your doctor by phone. (Do NOT walk into the doctor’s office or emergency room without instructions.)P.S. Wearing a face mask only helps keeps a sick person from spreading the disease. Masks aren’t recommended for healthy people. If I am working and/or planning to travel, what can I expect?The U.S. government and many companies are restricting foreign travel. If you have travel plans that take you to countries where the virus has appeared, be prepared to cancel them. Wherever you are, avoid using crowded public transportation. (Keep those disinfectant wipes ready.)Some companies have closed foreign offices and quarantined employees. Your airplane flight, your school or even your office could be caught up in quarantine. Quarantine is used to separate well persons who may have been exposed to the disease to be sure they don’t have it. The quarantine period for the coronavirus has been set at 14 days, but it may turn out to be longer.Should we be prepared to be quarantined? If we have no cases, it’s unlikely that authorities would call for quarantine here. But it’s possible. Ask yourself these three questions:Do we have enough food, water and medicines to carry us (and our pets) through a 14 day quarantine without having to leave the home?This should sound familiar, because it is the same as Shelter in Place. Since you would have running water and utilities as usual, being under quarantine shouldn’t be too hard.We’ve attached a list of basic things you might want for sheltering in place. If you need to, go shopping right away to build your stash of supplies.If someone in our household or family regularly needs outside help (home health care, food delivery, etc.) what are our plans to replace those services during a quarantine?In a widespread emergency, companies may stop making deliveries or send out employees in order to protect them from getting infected. What can your family do to be sure everyone is cared for?If my work shuts down for 14 days, how will I get along without my paycheck?This is a tough question, because many people don’t have enough savings to make it through an interruption. Your work may have made preparations to help in such an emergency. It’s important to find out now where you stand.What else should I know?The more you know, the easier it will be for you to make any necessary changes in your daily life. So keep up with the news. And stay calm. So far, not a lot is called for other than ordinary, sensible precautions – and a lot of extra hand washing! We will do our best to keep you updated. ................
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