Get Pandemic Ready

PRESS RELEASE

February 11, 2008

Protect You Family during an Influenza Epidemic at GetPandemicRead.org

New Website Launches with common-sense and time efficient tips and information that families can use to minimize risks and be prepared for a pandemic flu epidemic.

February 11, 2008 –Perhaps you’ve seen news reports that there is a real chance for an influenza epidemic - a mutation of the bird flu virus – to hit the United States. But what have you done to prepare yourself and your family for this eventual reality? A new Web site - www.getpandemicready.org has been created to provide everyday people with straight forward information and easy-to-follow advice for how to prepare and protect you and your family in the event of a wide-spread influenza outbreak.

Why Should Families Prepare?

A flu pandemic has the potential to cause massive disruption of essential services throughout the world because many people may not report for work. The production and delivery of food and daily supplies could be interrupted for weeks or months at a time, resulting in shortages. Utilities such as water, gas, phone and electricity may temporarily fail. Schools, churches, stores and businesses may close. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities, overburdened with the ill may be unable to sever all those in need. In fact, Michel Leavitt, the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, has stated that, “Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that federal government will com to the rescue, will be tragically wrong.” Preparation could be the difference between a family that copes versus a family struggling for survival.

How Can Families Prepare?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created pandemicflu.gov to help households and businesses to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak. GetPandemicReady.org compliments this site by providing a whole new level of detail and practicality that will easily help you and your household prepare, including:

·        Food: A “Bare Basics Cook Plan” for turning basic pantry items into meals.

·        Water: Ways to have water storage capability if you live in a small space.

·        Infants & Toddlers: Options to consider in the event breast feeding is not possible and commercial formula is not available.

Additional information on hygiene, comfort, staying healthy, emergency basics, treather the flu, safety , and other special concerns all can easily be found at www.getpandemicready.org