# 1160
One of the nice things about being a blogger is that I am in almost daily contact with a variety of people from around the world, many of whom are plugged into the avian flu scene. Talking to these people, mostly off the record, gives me a pretty good sense for what is going on in the pandemic preparedness world.
While avian flu reports have been on the decline over the past few months, we tend to expect a seasonal lull during the summer months, and nowhere am I seeing anyone saying we should be letting down our guard, or that the threat has passed.
Indeed, the threat of a pandemic remains a top national security threat.
I am, however, reasonably prepared for a pandemic.
I'm not a survivalist type, and so there are limits to what I am willing to do to prepare, but I've done what I believe to be prudent. My pantry is full, and with the help of an understanding physician, I've squirreled ahead a 90 day supply of my more essential prescription medications.
Mostly blood pressure and gout medicines.
As a former medic, I've never been without a substantial first aid kit, and living in hurricane country, I naturally have things like a camp stove, lanterns, and battery operated radios. Preparing, for me, has mostly consisted of acquiring (and rotating) a 90 day supply of food in my pantry.
Since I've no intention of barricading myself in my home during a pandemic, I've also laid in a stock of masks, gloves, and alcohol gel. I figure, during a crisis, even an old, retired paramedic with bad knees might be able to do some good in my neighborhood.
The peace of mind that comes from being prepared allows me to scan the news daily, and blog, without angst. I've done what I intend to do, and have encouraged family and friends to do the same, and so there is little to do but keep an eye on the situation and go on with life.
Preparing is easy. Worrying is hard.
By being reasonably prepared, I don't bother with worry. And it didn't cost thousands of dollars, or take a full time commitment to prepare.
By encouraging friends and neighbors to prepare, I've helped create a community support network for myself, and others, should a crisis occur. If something bad happens, we will hopefully band together to assist one another.
In a world where bad things happen, somewhere, on nearly a daily basis, it just makes sense to be prepared to deal with emergencies. And that means having a decent first aid kit (and the skills to use one), ample food and water set back in the pantry, a battery operated radio, battery operated lanterns, and a way to cook if the power goes off.
I live in Florida, practically the tropics, and so cold weather isn't a concern, but if I lived up north, I'd be looking at alternative ways to heat my home.
A pandemic may not come this year, or even next. But there are hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and all manner of other threats out there.
And by being prepared for a pandemic, I'm prepared for all of them.
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