Are you ready or are you READY?!

Make a Plan - Are you Ready or Are you Ready?

Consider the following scenario: There are a significant number of teachers out with H1N1 at your child’s school, so school will be closed for at least a week. Do you have a back-up plan for childcare?

Make a Plan. You can plan for an influenza pandemic now. You should know the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family.

● Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is

important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

● Having an alternative method of child care during an emergency is

important, because the emergency may only affect your child's school for an extended period of time.

● You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places

where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.

● Be sure to consider the specific needs of your family members.

● Notify caregivers and babysitters about your plan.

For more information about preparing for or responding to an emergency, log on to www.Ready.Ohio.gov or www.ode.state.oh.us so you can be sure your family and loved ones are ready.