What you can do to prepare for a pandemic

Jody White, Flathead City-County Health Department's emergency preparedness coordinator, distributes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pandemic personal planning recommendations at community presentations.

These include:

. Store a two-week supply of water and food.

. Ask your doctor and insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs.

. Have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medications, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.

. Talk to family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

. Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.

. Get involved in the community as it works to prepare for a pandemic.

White recommends other sources of information on the Internet such as: www.ready.gov and www.pandemicflu.mt.gov

For information from the health department check www.flatheadhealth.org