How do I prepare?

Nobody knows how severe a pandemic could be. What we do know for sure is that pandemics come every 30 years or so and we’re overdue for one. Preparation isn’t something you have to do all at once, but the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be in good shape to get you and your family through.

You’ll find information on this site about basic preparation, making sure you have adequate amounts of non-perishable food, fresh water and other essential items, as well as having stocks of medical and cleaning items, such as bleach, disinfectant, soap, hand sanitiser and so on. These things matter because in a pandemic, you may not be able to get them and you might want to stay close to home to limit the spread of illness or protect yourself from getting ill.

It's important to be up-to-date with your current flu vaccinations as this will help strengthen your immunity. Although it won't protect you from an influenza pandemic, it will help keep you healthy.

It's also important for you to think about how you could support yourself, your family and community in this kind of situation.

Check out the workplace, household, family health and community planning sections in this website for more information.