Are you keeping up with bird flu info? Do you know how to prepare? My husband serves on a committee at work for helping a three-hundred-attorney office prepare, and last week he attended a conference in which experts made the recommendations you’ll find below. They said every household should have these items on hand, not only for the flu (which they say will get here, it’s just a matter of when) but also in the event of power outage or other disaster.

Store a two-week supply of bottled water and ice. You can freeze your water supply.

Store a two-week supply of food that requires no refrigeration and little prep: canned meats, fish, fruits, veggies, beans and soups; protein or fruit bars; dry cereal and/or granola; peanut butter and/or nuts; dried fruit; crackers; canned juices; soft drinks; instant coffee; tea; baby food and formula. Think of the stuff that makes camping and hiking easier, and you are on the right track.

Have on hand an extended supply of medical and health supplies: glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment; nonprescription medications such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines; fluids with electrolytes; vitamins; soap; alcohol-based hand wash (minimum 60% alcohol); anti-diarrheals; feminine hygiene products; denture products; medical masks; thermometer; tissues, and wipes

Other supplies to include: disposable diapers; cleaning products such as chlorine bleach; aluminum foil; paper napkins, plates and cups

Remember Fluffy and Fido’s needs, too: pet food, cat litter or newspaper

Add to this: Flashlight and batteries; portable battery-operated radio; manual can opener; garbage bags; wind-up or battery-operated clock; corded phone

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

Teach kids to wash hands frequently with soap and water; to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues; and to stay away from others who are sick. Stay home from work or school if sick.

No need to panic or hoard, but do plan ahead. Better to be prepared and not have to use this stuff that to be unprepared and need it. (The U. S. government is making similar recommendations. You can find their list at www.pandemicflu.gov.)

If you are part of a worshipping community, encourage those in your congregation to supply a food pantry so you can be available to “love your neighbors.”