How often does one of your kids get a fever and you realize you only have one dose of fever reducer in the cabinet?  It’s important when preparing for any disaster scenario to be sure you’ve thought about the first aid items your family might need, and keep a supply available.  Here’s a handy list of items I keep on hand.

Alcohol Wipes

Aloe Vera

Antacids

Aspirin

Benadryl

Calamine Lotion

Claritin

Cough Drops

Epsom Salt

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrogen Peroxide

Immodium

Iodine

Motrin

Neosporin

Numbing Throat Spray

Rubbing Alcohol

Sudafed

Tylenol

Vicks Vapor Rub

Ace Bandages

Band aids and Bandages in Various Sizes

Surgical Tape

Ice Packs

Heat Packs

Keep in mind this is what I store - these are the most common items my family uses for basic first aid.  I have a rotation schedule for items that have an expiration date, especially the medications, but I know that in a pinch old stuff isn’t necessarily useless.  I keep two sets - one near my bathroom on a closet shelf where it’s easily accessible, and one stored away in a plastic bin for safety in an earthquake, or other disaster where it could be crushed.  I also keep some of these items in my car’s first aid kit and a small version in our survival bags.

Make a list and stock up when you have a few extra dollars.  If you buy one item every week, the impact is small.  Keep your supplies in a cool dark place and rotate regularly.  Keep items out of reach of children, especially if they’re stored in your car.  Be safe and prepared.

What kinds of things should you store away for a possible flu pandemic?  Keep in mind that there are other possible threats too.  We could have some kind of bio warfare in the future that causes some unknown sickness.  You could also just be isolated somewhere without medical help - so it’s good to think about these things ahead of time and stock up.  My husband still wants to know why we have three bottles of hydrogen peroxide and so many bandages, but I know if the time comes, he’ll thank me!  Here’s my list - alter for your own needs, but make a list and start to stock up little by little as you can afford it.  You might also want to educate yourself by taking a basic first aid class, and also researching home remedies to be used in an emergency. 

Flu Pandemic Stock Up List:

Acetaminophen

Adult Diapers

Anti-bacterial Wipes

Baby Wipes

Chamomile Tea

Chlorine Bleach

Cool Mist Humidifier (it’s better if you have more than one)

Extra Humidifier Filters

Expectorant Cough Syrup (this is the “Tussin” type)

Face Masks (whichever kind you decide to stock up on)

Hand Sanitizer

Heating Pad

Hydrogen Peroxide (disinfectant)

Ibuprofen

Isopropyl Alcohol (disinfectant and can be used to cool down patient)

Kleenex

Latex Gloves

Lip Balm

Listerine

Lubricating Eye Drops

Mucinex

Oscillococcinum

Disposable Shower Cap (can be worn multiple times)

Trash Bags

Vitamin C (stock up on chewable and powder also, sick people sometimes can’t swallow pills)

You may also want to keep some of the following around as they are very effective antivirals, with little side effects:

Apple Juice - Fresh apple juice is best.

Cranberry Juice - Research shows this makes viruses less able to multiply.

Garlic - Best if crushed raw and consumed within 1 hour.  2-3 cloves per day and then cut back until no body odor occurs.

Green Tea - May have antiviral activity similar to Tamiflu.

St. John’s Wort - Has shown effectiveness in Vietnamese flocks infected with Bird Flu.

Tea Tree Oil - When used as a steam inhalation will relieve congestion and fight infections.

Vitamin E - Acts as an immune system booster.  Very effective when taken with Vitamin C.

Please remember to consult with your doctor before trying any of these remedies.  Also, although they appear relatively safe, natural remedies may interfere with medications, so use caution.  Adult dosages are not safe for children, so stock up appropriate medications for your kids too.

Keep in mind that Bleach, Hydrogen Peroxide and Isopropyl Alcohol deteriorate rapidly.  You will not be able to store these for longer than a couple months.  So, if you won’t use it in rotation, stock up a minimal amount.  A good defense is always soap and water, which both have longer shelf lives.  Also keep in mind that regular aspirin taken in large doses is not good for influenza patients.

This list does not include everything you should stock up on for first aid in your home, but it’s a good list of items that can be used when nursing those with the flu.  Think about preventative measure also, good nutrition, hydration and adequate rest.  Keep yourself and your family away from others as much as possible.  The best cure is prevention and preparation.

I have a notebook that I keep all my survival information in.  I’m also in the process of making a three-ring binder for all my blogs and other articles I’d like to keep as reference.  If there’s a major crisis, no electric means no internet (gasp!). 

This notebook is also where I keep my lists.  I have a list for everything - because I love lists almost as much as I love stocking up.  This list helps me decide which items to list for the Stock Up Challenge, and is based on non-perishable items my family uses regularly.

I keep this list in an Excel spreadsheet with four columns to the side.  I like to keep at least four of each item in my pantry at all times.  I can also use my list when doing inventory to tell me how much of an item I need to buy on my next shopping trip. 

Feel free to copy this list if you’d like.  I suggest you adapt it to your individual family’s needs and likes.  I haven’t listed any beverages because that’s a different list!