# 1184
In Larimer County, Colorado they take the prospect of a flu pandemic seriously. They have one of the most comprehensive pandemic flu information sites that I've seen put out by a county health department.
Last January I featured the Larimer County Health Department twice in my blog. Both are worth revisiting.
In Larimer County `Gets It', visitors to their website get good solid information how to prepare for a pandemic.
There is a video on the Larimer County Pandemic flu page well worth watching, called "The Plan". Done in the style of a reality TV show, this 15 minute film shows how an average family reacts when faced with a pandemic. They are graded by a survival expert and a doctor, on how well they were prepared, and and if they would have survived.
This video requires Real Player.
"The Plan"
A "reality TV"-style video about home pandemic preparation. (13:45)
Today, the Larimer County Health Department is urging residents to stockup on prescription medicines, fearing that a pandemic could interrupt the flow and manufacturing of medicines. They are recommending having an extra 90 day supply.
Flu pandemic could interrupt prescriptions, Larimer County official says
BY HALLIE WOODS
HallieWoods@coloradoan.comSeniors should be thinking about how a pandemic flu event could slow or keep them from getting vital prescriptions, the county’s top health official said this week.
“I’m worried about prescription drugs for this age group,” said Dr. Adrienne LeBailly, director of the Larimer County Department of Public Health and Environment, at an American Association of Retired People conference at the Fort Collins Senior Center Thursday.
Eighty to 90 percent of prescription drugs are made or rely on raw materials from overseas, LeBailly said.
Seniors who rely on medications, especially those that cannot be discontinued for health reasons, should try to stock up on prescription drugs for at least 90 days LeBailly said.
“I know that can be difficult because insurance doesn’t always cover that,” LeBailly said.
Medicare, the nation’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older, offers several mail-order prescription options that give beneficiaries 90 days worth of prescription medicines, said Mike Fierberg a spokesman for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Denver.
“It gives people some peace of mind in the event of an irregularity,” Fierberg said. “Life is full of uncertainties; it’s good to have a plan.”
See Saturday's Coloradoan for more.
This matches well with the advice that I've been dispensing for more than 18 months in this blog. A pandemic could cause substantial disruptions in the supply chain. It is prudent to have sufficient food, medicine, and supplies to weather a prolonged crisis.
While I know of many people who are looking at longer term preparations, I've personally targeted 90 days for myself. More may well be better, but I am personally comfortable with a 3 month supply.
The minimum, strongly recommended by the Federal government, is for every household to have at least a 2-week supply of food, water, and medicine at all times.
