During a pandemic supplies of food and pharmaceuticals and the provision of essential goods and services are likely to be disrupted by widespread illness, death and absenteeism.

Warehouses may quickly run out of supplies and supermarket shelves could empty within days.
Plan for a worst case scenario in which no food is available. List all the necessities your family needs and buy enough supplies to last at least one, but preferably two months. Also consider what you’ll need if caring for a sick family member, friend or neighbour. Stockpiling will also prepare you for other emergencies.

Basic supplies

1. Food for 1 - 2 months
   Long lasting and inexpensive staples such as rice and pasta. Consider canned fish, tomatoes, and beans. Tea (black, red or green), dried and canned fruit, salt, sugar, olive oil.
   For recovery from illness soups such as clear chicken soup.
   
   
2. Household basics
   consider soap, alcohol hand rub cleanser, toilet paper, cleaning products, lightbulbs, batteries, personal products, baby products, petfood.
   
   
3. Pharmaceuticals
   At least 3 months supply for regular needs and chronic conditions - birth control, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, depression, etc. If you have young children ensure pharmaceuticals are kept in a very safe, preferably lockable place.
   
   
4. Cash
   The banks are likely to have difficulty restocking eftpos machines so have some cash on hand.
   
   
5. Broadband
   Consider a broadband connection as it not only provides rapid access to commerce, information and news during a pandemic but will enable you to order groceries and other products online although these may be limited by delivery problems. It will also enable many people to work from home (telecommuting).
   
   
6. Community
   Discuss preparedness plans with neighbours, friends and family and have particular regard for those living alone and those who currently require care from outside agencies. These agencies may be unable to function during a pandemic.
   
   
7. Update wills
   Half of New Zealanders die without a will. This causes additional stress, anxiety and delays for families.
   
   
8. Entertainment
   Consider books, DVDs, music, games.
   
   
9. Bicycle
   Fuel may become scarce and public transport unreliable or undesirable.

Medical supplies

1. Medication
   • Paracetamol/Panadol 500mg, 100 tablets per person
   • Neurofen, 200mg, 100 tablets per person
     
     
2. Protective equipment
   Use to minimise exposure to the virus while caring for a patient. It is essential to seek advice on the safe and effective use of this equipment.
   • surgical masks
   • disposable gloves
   • plastic apron
   • consider goggles
     
     
3. Medical equipment
   • electronic thermometer
   • consider a blood pressure monitor
     
     
4. Antivirals
   Consider Tamiflu if available. It lessens the symptoms of seasonal flu but here is no evidence that it will be effective in a pandemic situation.

Masks/Respirators
For influenza treatment in the home it is recommended that at least surgical masks be worn. Moisture resistant masks are more effective as the virus can pass through a wet mask. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the use of N95 particulate respirators that are technically better if properly fitted for airtightness. Some have an exhale vent to ensure they stay dry. Remember masks are intended to trap the virus. Once used treat as contaminated. Dispose of masks carefully, removing it last and wash your hands immediately after removal.
Surgical masks – the loose fitting kind – can be used by patients to limit the droplet spread of the virus.
See links.

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