Why We All Need To Store Food And Water

by DemFromCT 

A public service announcement from CDC click to play video

Questions

click to play video

see also Washington state PSA: Windows Media Player; Real Media Player and even more...

What a funny concept at Daily Kos. Is this a Bushism "scaremonger" concept to increase funding for Homeland security? Is it a flyer from the Idaho Secession Society or the flying saucer cult-of-the week? Uh, no. It's a message from the AFL-CIO's NYSUT teacher's union (which also represents nurses). The message from the unions and the professional societies will resemble this (see link):

Start now so you have a week or two supply of water and food. Get a few items every time you go to the grocery store and buy food that is:

• nonperishable
• easy to prepare
• requires little or no water so you can preserve water for drinking

And why? because the possibility of a flu pandemic is very real. As Greg Poland from the Mayo Clinic (and a world expert on the topic) writes in this month's issue of Vaccine (something we will not have enough of for 6-8 months):

"...the question we must all ask is: "do we believe that an influenza pandemic will occur?" The answer based on biology and history is a clear and compelling "Yes"! We absolutely will have another influenza pandemic. However, what we do not know is when, with what virus, how severe it will be, and perhaps most importantly, how prepared we will be when it occurs. In the last 88 years, three such influenza pandemics have occurred (1918, 1957, 1968).To those who find it difficult to believe that an influenza pandemic will occur, one would ask; "what makes this current generation so special that what has always happened throughout history - influenza pandemics - somehow will not occur?" The consequences of denying biologic reality are dire, [emphasis added] and well outlined in a recent book, The Great Influenza. The 1918 influenza pandemic is now estimated to have killed 50-100 million people . Although the 1957 and 1968 pandemics were much milder, killing an estimated 70,000 and 40,000 persons, respectively, they still overwhelmed the medical capacity to respond to them. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt stated that the virus that causes bird flu "could become one of the most terrible threats to life that this world has ever faced" (HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, December 2005). This raises the question of whether we have been irrationally worried, or irrationally complacent. [emphasis added]

And, keep in mind TNH is a community. We owe the community a discussion about this. So what to do... This is actually something that's been talked about in depth here. AlphaGeek has an excellent series of disaster prep diaries from Daily Kos. And at the Flu Wiki, we have collected information both for personal preparedness and for community preparedness. You'll find businesses and schools and colleges all are on the same page... much to do and more work to be done. But here's where the on line community comes in. Many feel that if the schools close for up to 3 months, 2 weeks of food and water may not be sufficient. Can a case be made for more? while folks here might dismiss the whole thing, there are enormous efforts being made to plan for the worst in case such a thing happens. Poland, again, from the Vaccine article:

The H5N1 virus is close to meeting the criteria for a pandemic virus-a novel virus, the ability to cause human illness, and human-to-human transmission [13-15], and we are now in at least the third of the six WHO pandemic phases (Table 2). That we have not yet experienced pandemic H5N1 influenza relates to a singular issue-the inefficiency of human-to-human transmission. Once efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission occurs, and presuming even an approximation of the current 50% mortality from this virus, time may well be marked, by those surviving, as "before" and "after" the pandemic.

This is just one of many serious articles by serious students of influenza (here's another by virologist Robert Webster in the NEJM:

H5N1 Influenza — Continuing Evolution and Spread Robert G. Webster, Ph.D., and Elena A. Govorkova, M.D., Ph.D. Clearly, we must prepare for the possibility of an influenza pandemic. If H5N1 influenza achieves pandemic status in humans -- and we have no way to know whether it will -- the results could be catastrophic.

and here is an excellent summary from Donald McNeill in the IHT:

Bird flu's risk far from over, experts warn Alarm over pandemic has faded, but scientists urge vigilance

Ain't that the truth. Flu in birds is now present near Moscow and in UK poultry. So, it's not just that screw-ups from Bernard Matthews might put virus into the environment. it's that natural hazards like flu pandemics happen. Posters here have asked what they can do to prepare. The answer may well be coming from your employer or your union. And if you need more, there's always reliable sources you can turn to, from CDC to CIDRAP to Flu Wiki. The internet is the future, and we are the people that will put the "public" back into "public health".

Comments

[americanforliberty]

With all the worry about Avian Flu I find it difficult to believe the USDA is considering to allow the importation of cooked Chicken from China? Why run the risk of importing the Avian Flu.

[Jodi]

Is this from DemFromCT? I see no thread starter name.

Personally I have most of my upright freezer, and most of the left side of my sidebyside refrigerator full of frozen water in old diet pepsi (2) liter bottles. That is good for when the power goes off also.

And a big shelf of canned goods, mainly soup in the bottom of one closet. And frozen loaves of bread, and boxes of powdered/skim milk, the ones with the individual sealed quart size envelopes, which is what I usually use.

I was a girl scout!

[DemFromCT]

oops... thanks jodi!!

[Sara]

Just remember any sort of dried pasta can be cooked in water that has been saved in tightly closed jars in your cellar. You just have to remember to boil well before putting in the pasta. Visit your local camping store for a wide variety of freeze dried veggies that will make a reasonable camper's sauce for pasta. (It would be nice if that lovely American Cheddar that they used to give away in cans marked "Gift of the American People" were available.) -- The British Canned Butter was not so bad either.

Stock up on powdered milk. It saves for ages.

Put things like Elbow Mac into glass or plastic jars with tight fitting lids rather than leaving it in boxes or plastic bags. Saves better.

Stock up on Tea. If you get sick it may be what you want to drink.

Ask your local elected officials if plans have been made for keeping utilities operational (gas, electric and water.) If not, get loud about getting such plans made.

And don't forget your furry companions, they will need an in depth supply of dog or cat food, treats, and all the rest. Since it seems that cats can carry this virus at least in theory -- no outside for them. Stock up on chow and litter at least.

[jami]

yikes. you sound sarcastic when you're serious. the tone of the introduction made me think you were pro-flu, or at least knee-jerk anti-anti-flu for some bush-related reason. your sarcastic tone implied strongly that a flu pandemic is as realistic as bush's fearmongering, which is of course untrue.

i was ready to write angrily that i'd just spent the weekend with an 80-year-old and three children under five, and they're quite right to fear the flu that's killed two kids in washington state. but then i realized that your introduction was just not that well-written.

[Jodi]

Also get some water purification tablets. I prefer the 2 stage type that are a little more expensive than the old ones like the iodine based ones. The water is treated twice. Takes longer, up to an hour but the final product has no chemical taste.

You can get these in a Sports Store (Hunting/Fishing/Camping) or the same kind of Department in Walmart or a big store.

Also online.

Bleach will kill some stuff but is not all inclusive like the first type.

Sure have bottled water, but realize that it might not last.

[Sandals]

Frozen bread? Does that work?

[MayBee]

I live in Japan, so I am constantly reminded to have certain supplies on hand due to earthquakes (and Avian flu, to some extent) so I do.
I spoke to a man who had been through the Kobe earthquake with his family of young children. He told me that they lived on things you'd have around your house anyway- protein bars, peanuts,drinks. His main point was not to panic, not to think you need more than you do once you find yourself in the situation. You really just need to survive, you might not necessarily be comfortable or feel well-fed throughout the ordeal. He was happy to have had water on hand.
It is always a good idea to have enough in your home to "get by" for a little while. Most Americans live where snowstorms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, power outages, earthquakes, heat waves, or health emergencies may interrupt their normal lives. It's better to be even a little bit prepared.

[emptypockets]

I'm tired of all this fear-mongering. Next you'll be telling us to wash our hands before eating, or we might get "germs" -- don't you know there are people dying of malaria right now? why worry about some hypothetical "germs"?

;)

[Jodi]

Sandals,

yes frozen bread is fine. In fact in my upright freezer, I have mostly frozen water in 2 liter pepsi bottles, 4 or 5 top grade frozen loaves of bread (Arnold's Health Nut for example), and a small amount of frozen sandwich (from deli) meat.

I used to keep a lot of crap in the freezer, and then it would go bad if I was off and the power went off. So after 911 I tossed all that stuff I hardly use, and started putting frozen water in the freezers.

I keep my bread I'm using in the refrigerator, and when it gets low, I move another loaf from the freezer into it. I always toast my bread anyway, so no problem.

Yes, I generally eat out, and at home eat cereal, sandwiches, and fruit. Ok, ok. I will have up to a quart of premium icecream, usually only a pint. (I don't get more in order to cut down temptation. Keeping my tummy flat!! Very important for a single girl.)

[DemFromCT]

'pockets, will you stop bringing science into these conspiracy threads?

[Sandals]

Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks.

[Mimikatz]

Keep things like chicken broth on hand for cooking rice or couscous (it tastes better anyway). Also soup. These give liquid. Remember, you aren't camping, so liquid may be a bigger advantage than low weight. Most canned goods can be eaten cold if the power goes out. Don't forget the manual canopener.

We finally opted for a big 7-gal "aquatainer" we can fill if water looks like its going to be a problem, rather than storing lots of water in plastic bottles. Once it has been stored too long water can still be used for washing, if necessary. Disposable wet towels and alcohol rubs are good for cleaning too.

Jodi: What happens to the food in the freezer if the power is out for days?

[Powerpuff]

I disagree with the reason to store food and water. I think a year's worth of each should be stored for the coming rationing after the country mobilizes for total war.

[Jodi]

Food for year.
I had a friend in highschool who worked in his family's iron works. Rails, fences, fireplaces, everything from ornament to security. They did blacksmithing, the whole nine yards. He told me his daddy, uncle and granddaddy had built a lot of shelving for Mormons who were supposed to keep a years supply of food stuff. The shelves were loaded from the back and then when used the jars, cans, etc were taken from the front. The shelves tilted so that things would slide forward.

Mimikatz
Then the frozen water keeps it cold much longer than just the freezer insulation would. I have had it off to a week, and the meat would be fine. (I am most careful with the meat, now you must consider that the meat has been in a refrigerator after it thawed, and when power comes on move it to the refrigerator.) The bread lasts a lot longer.
Note for any of these things, the most important thing is not to open the freezer or refrigerator door any more than you have to, and then keep it open a minimum of time. Plan what you are going to do before you open the door or lid. Also an normal box type freezer that you open the lid from the top will be better for these kind of things because the cold air in an upright like I have literally flows/spills down the bottom of the door to the floor, and warmer air comes in the at the top. There is not much flow/spilling with the top lid type.

And another important thing.
People, if you know something is going to happen or is happening, fill your tubs, sinks, buckets, vases, glasses, everything with water. You could drink this after a few days using your water purification tablets, but there is another reason.

Toliet! If you lose water pressure, you can't flush but once with the normal water closet type toliet. Not at all with the pressure (typically commercial type) ones.

Also here a camper portable portatoliet is good. You sit on them, everything goes into a bag with some chemicals or just a bag, and then you can dump it. The old simple ones are just a ring or horsehoe seat to sit on, with a bucket to empty.

If we had a nuclear blast, or terrorist attack on the water supplies, or an earthquake, water for the toliet becomes extremely important, and as a last resort that water in the tub could be drank after treatment.

[DemFromCT]

does that work?

[DemFromCT]

ah... yes. Formatting fixed. You > when you shoulda < .