Public Face, Private Advice
Once again, public health Authorities are urging residents (this time in New York) to stockpile two weeks supplies in order to weather a pandemic emergency.
Flu pandemic readiness urged
Stockpiling food, water, drugs recommended
Matthew Daneman
Staff writer
(August 10, 2006) — BRIGHTON — New Yorkers should have a two-week supply of water and food on hand, as well as a stockpile of nonprescription drugs and other health supplies, in case a feared avian flu pandemic becomes reality.
That was the message state Health Commissioner and former U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Novello brought Wednesday as she addressed the annual conference of Monroe Community College's Homeland Security Management Institute.
While 2 weeks is better than nothing, and far exceeds the traditional advice from FEMA (which everyone ignores) of having 72 hours of supplies on hand, it will be woefully inadequate during a pandemic.
But this seems to be the level of preparedness that officials are willing to recommend. At least to the general public.
If you work for the State Department, however, you probably have seen the recommendation for 8 to 12 weeks of supplies, posted on the State Departments’ website. And according to recent reports by paramedics/firefighters attending Homeland Security sponsored extended education classes, many are being told to have 3 months supplies. Minimum.
Even more telling, these first responders are being told to return to their squads and spread the word. Prepare now. Do not wait.
As a former medic, one who worked side by side with firefighters and cops, I appreciate that they are getting better advice. We are going to need these folks on the job during a pandemic. Can’t very well have them standing in line for MRE’s or rice and beans for their families for six hours a day.
And I understand the logistical and economic concerns of the authorities. If they told everyone to stockpile 3 months of supplies, then the grocery store shelves would be emptied in record time. Shortages, and panic, would begin now. And should a pandemic not develop (always a possibility), there would be a lot of angry people with rice and beans in their basements, bitching about having to put off buying the latest X-Box or IPOD.
So shouting the message from the highest hilltop, that 2 weeks of supplies will not be enough, is probably a bad idea.
For those smart enough to read between the lines, hopefully the message is getting through. We need only look at 3 statements made, ad nauseum, by the Federal government, to draw our own conclusions.
#1 . Every household should stockpile 2 weeks worth of food/water/supplies.
#2 . A pandemic wave may last 8 to 12 weeks, and social disruptions, and interruptions in the supply chain may occur.
#3 . The Federal Government, and FEMA, will be unable to help local communities during a pandemic. You will be on your own.
Following the Fed’s advice, you might survive. But those last 10 weeks of the first wave, are going to be hungry weeks.
And the 2nd wave, and possibly 3rd, 4th, an 5th waves, are going to be a real bitch.
You do the math. Even 3 months is optimistic.
