How to prepare for a bird flu outbreak 

Each household should have a week's supply of water. Picture / Bradley Ambrose

Below are steps the Ministry of Health suggests households can take to prepare for a flu pandemic.


Stock up in advance
* Each household should have a week's supply of food and water, and every member of the household should know where it is.

* One person should be responsible for checking the kit every year, and replacing items that have passed their use-by date.

* If an influenza pandemic does strike, some fresh fruit and vegetables could be added to the list, but most perishable items will not keep for long unless refrigerated.

* Freezers can be stocked up with meat, produce and breads, as it is unlikely that power supply will cease. Don't forget special dietary requirements such as soy or goat milk.

What you should include
Store cupboard items should include:

* Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruit, fruit juice, vegetables, soup and babyfood if required. Don't forget a can-opener.

* Dried food, including cereal, milk powder, coffee and tea, soup mix, freeze-dried vegetables, salt and pepper.

* Protein or fruit bars, dried fruit, and peanut butter or nuts, as long as no members of the household have allergies to these.

* Crackers and yeast spreads.

* Tinned or dried pet food.

* A barbecue or Primus to cook on. Don't forget to check the gas bottle.

* Drinking water, enough for three litres per person per day.

Water supplies
* Save washed plastic soft drink bottles for storing water. Store filled bottles in the freezer.

* Keep a supply of water purification tablets.

* Chlorinated water will keep in a cool, dark place for up to two years, unchlorinated for up to one year.

* Check the water quality by holding it to the light, treat if concerned about quality.

* Treat with three drops of unscented bleach per litre, leave for 20 minutes.

* Water from hot water cylinders is drinkable.

* Collect rainwater for washing and cooking. Boil before drinking.

* Use swimming pool water for washing and sanitation.

(Source: Civil Defence, Ministry of Health)

Restocking
* Supermarkets would remain open, but with fewer staff.

* Non-essential services in supermarkets are likely to go, such as bulk bins and delicatessens. The range of products available is likely to be reduced.