Other helpful information gleaned from experts
r In a pandemic, it would be helpful to have a home computer system and Internet service. It will provide access to news and allow some people to work or keep up with schooling while at home.
r When you store water and nonperishable items for an emergency, it's important to rotate them every six months. Mark on each item the date you bought it.
r It may seem daunting to prepare an emergency supply kit, but you can do it a little at time. The St. Louis County Department of Public Health and Human Services offers a brochure on "Family Safety During Community Emergencies" that gives a 20-week guide for getting prepared. For example, in the first week you would gather for each person in your home: one gallon of water, a large can of juice and one can of meat. You also would gather one jar of peanut butter, a can opener, a permanent marker, and, if needed, pet food, baby food and diapers. That week you would use the marker to note on each food item and water bottle when it was purchased.
