Pandemic influenza

Recent events have shown how important it is to be prepared for a potential pandemic which could arise from influenza or other infectious diseases.

This page contains advice and information for households and businesses.

As well as the possible health effects an influenza pandemic could create social and economic disruption. You need to think about how you, your family and your workplace would be affected by circumstances such as:

• If a new pandemic influenza virus occurs and enters New Zealand many people could become very sick or die.
• The main pandemic wave could last around eight weeks.
• Schools and childcare facilities could be closed for even longer.
• Many workers will be absent through illness or caring for others.
• While plans are already being put in place, there could be some disruption to essential services and supplies of food and water.
• Places of public gathering may be closed – theatres, churches, galleries, libraries, sports venues, hotels etc.

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Have a plan for your family and friends

Your family and friends may become sick or have to stay at home for days or even weeks during a pandemic. You can do a few simple things now to prepare for a pandemic:

• Talk about and plan for the things you may have to deal with – caring for children or keeping in contact with friends and family away from home.
• Have a plan for how you’ll cope if your whole family becomes ill. Arrange a contact for support outside of your household - talk to neighbours about how you could support each other during a pandemic.
• Make sure that important contact details are readily available – family, friends, neighbours, employer, family doctor.
• Keep your insurances, financial arrangements, wills etc in order as this may become difficult or expensive during a pandemic.

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Household emergency survival kit

You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for one or two weeks to cope with shortages due to panic buying or supply problems.

• Food – build up a supply of canned, preserved or non-perishable foods. Store in a cool area and make sure to use and replace them regularly. (Hints – choose familiar foods; include food that doesn’t need preparation; have foods you eat when sick - clear soups, juices and jellies are ideal). Buy a little extra food each week to build up extra supplies and rotate the food to make sure it doesn't go past it's use by date.
• Water – allow three litres per person per day. Store in plastic containers in a cool dark place or in a freezer.
• First aid kit – include 7-10 days of paracetamol or ibuprofen for each person to treat fever. Have plenty of tissues (or toilet paper) and plastic bags (supermarket bags are good) to dispose of used tissues. Masks can be worn by sick people to help stop the spread of germs (purchase from a pharmacy or hardware store).
• Prescription medicines - make note of any medicines you are taking and make sure you have adequate supplies.
• Think about what you’ll do if you or your family have to stay home for more than two weeks (books, games, videos).
• Consider the effect on your family if there are no public gatherings during a pandemic. Funeral services for example may be restricted.

Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities

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Hygiene – keeping clean

Maintaining good personal hygiene is probably the best way to protect yourself against the spread of germs, especially during a pandemic:

• Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap. An alcohol-based rub is a satisfactory substitute if soap and water are not available. It is important to dry your hands well. Wash and dry hands:
  • before preparing food and eating
  • after coughing or sneezing, blowing noses, wiping children’s noses, after skin contact with others (eg shaking hands), visiting the toilet or looking after sick people.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Put tissues straight into a covered, lined rubbish bin or plastic bag.
• Try to stay at least one metre away from sick people to reduce the spread of germs
• During a pandemic, if you have to go out in public keep at least one metre away from other people and avoid making physical contact.

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Business continuity planning

Businesses need to plan to reduce the impact of an influenza pandemic on their employees and business. How will supply shortages affect particular businesses; will your business be able to stay open; and how can you protect your staff and customers?

Good advice on pandemic planning for businesses can be accessed through the links in the table below.

If you have questions regarding pandemic influenza planning or co-ordination please contact Emergency Management staff at the Emergency Management Office.

Taranaki Emergency Management Office:

45 Robe Street
New Plymouth
Private Bag 713
Stratford

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