What You Can Do A pandemic may not be predictable, and with the efficiency of travel these days (you can get half way around the globe in 24 hours) the first case(s) of a pandemic could happen at any time. It?s important that every person do what they can now to be prepared. Create an emergency kit. Click here for a list of items to include in your kit. Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food and eating. Use soap and water and wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. Don?t go to work if you are sick, and don?t send your children to school if they are sick. Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, drinking plenty of water, getting your flu shot, stopping smoking if you do so, and getting plenty of rest. Having an emergency kit is a good idea, not just because of pandemic flu. Emergencies, whether they are relatively small like a house fire, or large like an earthquake can happen at any time of day or night. Be prepared by having: A Family Emergency Communication Plan, including information about a meeting location close to home, a meeting location outside your neighborhood, contact information for all family members, and a plan for pets if you have to evacuate. An emergency kit at home, in your car and at work. A conversation with your family and friends about what can happen in areas where you and the people you care about spend a lot of time (work, school, day care, etc).