H1N1 Flu Preparedness Information
As we head into flu season, recent surveys by the American Red Cross show that 93 percent of Americans were planning to take extra steps to avoid getting the H1N1 flu (swine flu). However, only 12 percent of those surveyed had taken the steps the Red Cross recommends to prepare for a disaster.
The Southeast Louisiana Chapter urges local residents to make a renewed effort this fall to prepare for a possible resurgence of the H1N1 flu – and for other emergencies such as fires, floods or storms.
Information Sheets
Please note that the PDF files below require Adobe Reader and should be printed on legal size paper
(8.5” x 14”). Download Adobe Reader for free here.
| Seasonal Flu Checklist |
(English pdf | Spanish pdf) |
| Taking Care of People with the Flu |
(English pdf | Spanish pdf) |
| Pandemic Flu: Coping and Emotional Well Being |
(English pdf) |
| Teach Children Healthy Habits |
(English pdf) |
What Can I Do to Proctect Myself and My Family Against H1N1 Flu?
The Red Cross recommends people take the following precautions to help guard against the flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling sick.
As for all emergencies, the Red Cross recommends people start by taking three actions to prepare for disasters:
- Get a kit: Assemble or purchase a portable emergency preparedness kit with enough supplies for three days in case you need to evacuate. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.
- Make a plan: Make sure each person knows how to reach household members, including an out-of-area emergency contact person, and knows where to meet if they can't go home.
- Be informed: Learn about what resources are available and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play. Take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.
American Red Cross H1N1 (Swine) Flu FAQ
Visit the National Red Cross YouTube channel for videos about H1N1 (Swine) Flu Prevention.
Additional sources of information:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov or 1.800.CDC.INFO
Flu.gov: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
Information specific to Louisiana www.flula.com
The Southeast Louisiana Chapter carries Be Red Cross Ready Germ Guard Personal Protection Packs in our Clara Barton Shoppe, located inside the Chapter Headquarters at 2640 Canal Street in New Orleans.
There are two types of packs, the Deluxe and the Germ Guard, each which contain:
• N95 Masks
• Hand Sanitizers
• Tissue Packs
• Alcohol Cleansing Wipe Packs
• Exam Gloves
For more information or to purchase a kit, please contact the Southeast Louisiana Chapter at 504.620.3105.
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