Planning ahead

• Preparedness Kit

Helping Others

Speak with family, friends and neighbours to figure out how you might help each other during the flu season.

It is good to know who can look after you and your family members in case you get sick. The best caregiver is someone who does not have risk factors for complications of the flu (see Symptoms). Pregnant women, for example, should not take care of someone who is sick with the H1N1 flu virus, if at all possible.

Below is a planning checklist that identifies the types of things you need to consider when creating your preparedness plan for yourself, your family, friends, neighbours, etc.

• Consider a back-up person who can provide care in case the main caregiver becomes sick or must to go to work.
• Who will help the sick person go for a health care assessment and get antiviral medications (if needed)?
• Who will look after the sick person for the first few days to ensure they get plenty of rest, fluids, food, comfort items, and watch for complications?
• Who will help with tasks such as child care, pet care, cooking and housework?
• Who will provide care for your children if the daycare centre or school is closed because of the pandemic?

Be sure to have a back-up plan if child care facilities or schools close and you must continue working. If your school or daycare centre closes, students and children will be encouraged not to hang out in large numbers in other places.

IMPORTANT If you are at risk of complications, (Symptoms) or live in a remote or isolated area, see your health care provider. Ensure you have enough medications on hand for your conditions and know how to access antivirals if you fall ill with H1N1.

Preparedness Kit

Put together a home preparedness kit before anyone gets sick. When you are sick, you won't want to go out and get groceries or health supplies.

Here are some examples of household items that you may want to have in your home:

Printable version
Preparedness Kit
PDF 51 KB

Non-perishable food

• Canned soups
• Frozen or canned fruits, vegetables, meats and fish
• Frozen or canned juices, tea bags
• Easy dinners, such as spaghetti and tomato sauce
• Breakfast cereals, honey, sugar or sweetener
• Bottled water, Tetra Pak milk or soy milk
• Baby food or formula
• Pet food

Health and cleaning supplies

• Thermometer
• Hand soap
• Pain and fever medication (e.g. acetaminophen, for example Tylenol^®, or ibuprofen, for example Advil^®)
• Supply of prescription medications
• Masks (optional)
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cough suppressants, cough lozenges (not for children under six years old)
• Laundry detergent
• Garbage bags
• Household cleaning supplies
• Tissues, toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products, diapers and wipes

Make sure you have the following important contact information

Government of Canada information line:

1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)

Provincial/territorial information:

See Resources

Health care facility telephone number:

 

Number for emergency medical help:

911 or

Doctor:

 

Telephone Number:

 

Pharmacist:

 

Telephone Number:

 

Caregiver identified in plans:

 

Home:

 

Work:

 

Cell:

 

People identified in plans:

 

Home:

 

Work:

 

Cell:

 

People with an existing medical condition — especially if they are on medications — should prepare a medical history and take it with them when going to visit a health care provider.

Medical history for:

 

Health conditions:

 

Medications (type and dose):

 

Allergies: