What supplies does Ready.gov recommend for a pandemic?

Ready.gov recommends gathering cleaning supplies, non-perishable food, prescriptions, and bottled water in case your household needs to stay home for several days or weeks. A 14-day supply is a reasonable target, similar to preparing for an extended winter storm.

How long should I wash my hands to prevent illness?

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering the backs of your hands, between fingers, and under nails. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

How big should my medication buffer be for a pandemic?

Most healthcare providers recommend at least a 7-day buffer for daily prescriptions, working toward 30 days if you manage a chronic condition. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about an early refill to build this gradually.

What should I do if someone in my household gets sick?

Follow your healthcare provider's guidance. Generally, that means staying home except to get medical care, keeping some distance from other household members where possible, and monitoring symptoms. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen, and call 911 for a medical emergency.

Why does a pandemic checklist include getting to know my neighbors?

Neighbors are often the fastest source of help in the early hours of any household emergency, including one where a member of the household is sick and needs groceries or a prescription picked up. Knowing who has a medical condition, who lives alone, or who has useful skills makes it easier for a neighborhood to look out for each other.

Pandemic Preparedness Checklist — Before, During & After

Phase 1

Before widespread illness. The same habits that get you through a bad flu season.

Preparing for a pandemic looks a lot like preparing for any stretch of days spent at home: supplies on hand, a plan everyone knows, and good hygiene habits already in place before you need them.

Medical

Stock illness-prevention supplies: soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, masks, and surface disinfectant
If you take daily medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about an early refill to build a 7-day buffer, stored separately in a cool, dry place
Work with your prescriber to extend that buffer to 30 days for extended disruptions
Get a complete first aid kit and check expiration dates yearly
Keep a supply of N95 respirators and learn how to fit them, for use if your doctor or local health department recommends masking

Food

Extend your food supply to a full 14-day reserve. Include variety, and rotate stock so nothing expires unused
Build a 3-day supply of shelf-stable food per person that needs no cooking, as a starting point

Water

Store 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days, including pets

Sanitation

Stock basic hygiene supplies for 14 days: soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and personal care items

Communications

Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on every phone in your household
Write your household communication plan: where to meet if phones don't work, who to call first, and your backup plan. Post it on the fridge and keep a copy in each 72-hour bag

Community

Know the names and situations of your three nearest neighbors. Knowing who has a medical condition, who lives alone, or who has useful skills makes it easier to look out for each other

Phase 2

During widespread illness. Ordinary habits, done consistently.

The actions that slow the spread of illness through a household are simple and familiar. Doing them consistently, and following current guidance from your doctor and local health department, is what matters most.

Basic Precautions

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap isn't available
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly
Follow current guidance from your doctor and local health department on masks and distancing

If Someone in Your Household Is Sick

Stay home except to get medical care, following your healthcare provider's guidance
Keep some distance from others in the household where possible, and use a separate bathroom if you can
Monitor symptoms and contact your doctor if they worsen. Call 911 for a medical emergency
Keep your child's school or care provider informed, following their policies

Phase 3

After widespread illness. Restock, and carry the lessons forward.

Once things settle, a short review is worth the time. It turns one stretch of managing illness into a better-prepared household for the next one.

Returning to Normal Routines

Follow your healthcare provider's guidance on when it's safe to resume normal activities
Restock any supplies you used, including hygiene items, food, and medication
Clean and disinfect the areas where a sick household member spent time

Update Your Plan

Review your household communication plan and update it with anything you learned
Talk with your household about what worked well and what to adjust for next time
Check in with neighbors, especially anyone who lives alone or may need extra support

Gear

Still need to get equipped? Start here.

A few items do most of the work for keeping a household healthy through a rough stretch. These are the ones worth having ready.

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Pandemic Preparedness Checklist. Before, during, and after.