The U.S. government’s pandemic flu information website, pandemicflu.gov, provides a planning checklist for individuals and families. Among their recommendations:

• Keep a two-week supply of non-perishable food and water on hand, in case you can’t get to the store or if supplies are short.
• Check your prescription drug supply, to make sure you always have a steady supply of the medications and medical supplies you need.
• Keep a full stock of over-the-counter drugs and other supplies that could be helpful in a flu pandemic, including pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic), and NSAIDS, including ibuprofen (Advil, generic), and naproxen (Aleve, generic); stomach and diarrhea remedies; and cough and cold medications. Remember, children need different medications for these conditions than adults.
• Consider keeping a stock of fluids with electrolytes, to help fend off dehydration, as well as vitamins.
• Other supplies for emergencies you might consider stocking up on include flashlights, batteries, portable radio, garbage bags, tissues, toilet paper, diapers, a thermometer, and a manual can opener. Also consider stocking hand sanitizers with at least a 60 percent alcohol content, and surgical masks with a rating of at least N-95*.
• Talk with family members about what they would need to be cared for in an emergency. You might think about preparing emergency contact forms, and health information sheets.
• Get involved in your community, local groups, and daycare centers to help plan for a flu pandemic.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

For more on preparing for emergencies, see our Storm and Emergency Guide.

* Update for November 2, 2009: A 2009 study finding that N-95 respirators were superior to surgical masks at preventing the spread of flu was retracted by the authors after a flaw in the methods was discovered. The authors now say there is no significance difference between N-95 respirators and surgical masks, confirming another recent study that found they were equal.