The threat of a pandemic flu will not go away for good even as the Ministry of Health downgrade the DORSCON from orange to yellow. It is therefore good for company to prepare for business continuity plan. As individuals with family, we should also plan ahead and be knowledgeable in preparing against possible pandemic threats in the future.

(Do note that the check list below is by no means exhaustive. You should add the things that might be important to you to this list.)

Adequate Medical Supplies

• 2 months supply of medications for chronic diseases.
• Medical equipments such as thermometer, glucometer and blood pressure machine for the self-monitoring of medical conditions.
• Medical protection equipment such as surgical masks and N95 masks.
• Simple medications for treatment of common illnesses. These are to be kept in your home’s first aid box:
  1. Paracetamol syrup or tablets
  2. Anti-diarrhoea medication
  3. Simple over the counter cough and cold medications
  4. Antiseptic cream
  5. Antiseptic wash

Adequate Non-Medical Supplies

• Alcohol based (60-95%) hand sanitizers for regular cleaning of hands at home. This is especially important if you have kids.
• Adequate cleaning solutions, eg detergents and disinfectant, for the cleaning of the household.
• Miscellaneous items such as:
  1. Diapers, if you have babies
  2. Batteries and flashlights
  3. Garbage bags
  4. Tissues and toilet papers

Adequate Food and Non-perishables

Ensure 2 weeks’ supply of non-perishable food items

• Staple food such as rice, cereals, oats
• Biscuits and crackers
• Dried fruits or fruit/ cereal bars
• Canned food such as canned fish, fruits, vegetables, meat and juices
• Milk powder, if you have babies or toddlers at home
• Pet food

Educations and Habits

• Teach and encourage the cultivation and practice of good hygiene habits such as:
  1. Hand washing techniques
  2. Frequent hand washing before and after meals or before any contact of the eyes, nose and mouth with bare hands
  3. Proper coughing and sneezing etiquette
  4. Proper use and disposal of tissue paper

• Teach and educate family members about the potential threat of pandemic influenza using daily news as a teaching tool.
• Put up posters to remind kids on proper hand washing habits.
• Adequate and strategically placed waste bins to encourage proper disposal of waste, especially soiled tissue papers.
• Cultivate good habits of regular cleaning and sunning of household items such as bedding, linens, and mattresses… etc
• Cultivate regular area cleaning habits with appropriate detergents and disinfectants. It is recommended to clean with detergent before using the disinfectant to kill the germs
• Areas with frequent hand contact such as door knobs, railings and tables to be cleaned regularly with disinfectant or hand sanitizer wipes

Continuity of Work and School

• Think through alternatives for taking care of children if schools and childcare centres are closed due to severe pandemic threat.
• Speak to company as to whether company’s business continuity plan allows you to work from home.

Keeping Healthy

Start living a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, rest and quitting vices such as smoking.

Emergency Contacts

You may wish to display this list of emergency contact number at a visible location

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