Ebola Update Preparedness Guide

by Quick Prep Guides

Copyright © 2014

Introduction

This short information guide gives information and tips on how to prepare your family for Ebola. It gives step by step information that is easy to read and understand. Know what supplies to have and what to do to protect you and your family!

Contents

Chapter 1: What Is Going On?
Chapter 2: About Ebola
Chapter 3: How to Prepare?
Chapter 4: Have a Disaster Supply Kit
Chapter 5: Relocation
Supplies to Store: The Lists
Chapter 6: Water
Chapter 7: Food
Chapter 8: First Aid
Chapter 9: Emergency Tools & Supplies
Chapter 10: Home Security
Chapter 11: Spiritual Preparation

Chapter 1: What is Going On?

Pandemics can occur at any time although not a really bad worldwide pandemic has happened in recent history. Most pandemics that have occurred have not killed millions of people, although most pandemics affect about 30-60% of the population, according to statistics.

Ebola is a deadly virus and health experts are warning that it is spiraling out of control. The director for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says that the Ebola outbreak that originated in Africa is getting worse. Dr. Tom Frieden said that the world has to act now to try to get Ebola under control. As of last count almost 1600 people have been killed by this deadly virus. Some nations are quarantining its citizens at gunpoint and have enacted martial law.

The two doctors in America who recovered from Ebola were given the experimental drug ZMAPP. There is not enough of the drug for any large outbreaks.  Another American missionary doctor in Africa has contracted Ebola who was not even working with Ebola patients.

Will Ebola come to the US? God help us if it does. It has been said over and over again, Ebola is just a plane ride away. What can one do to prepare for something like Ebola? Being prepared for Ebola will dramatically increase your survival rate just like preparing for any other event and it will reduce your stress levels dramatically.

In any pandemic situation those who live close to or come in contact with others who are sick are more likely to contract Ebola. Ebola is tricky because health officials haven’t gotten a firm grasp as to why others are contracting the disease who shouldn’t have been able to. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, babies, and the elderly are usually the first to contract viruses.

Be ahead of everyone else and make sure you have enough supplies on hand just in case you are told to shelter in place. People have to mentally and spiritually prepare themselves for a pandemic because it is a new and difficult thing to have to go through. People will have to live differently. Businesses may not operate like they normally do. Schools, work, and football games may shut down or temporarily close their doors, as well as places with large gatherings. People may have to hunker down in their homes. There may be interruptions in food, gas, water, and other services.

To properly prepare, one must take a step at a time and figure out what needs to be done and work towards the goal of preparing. This not only involves physical preps but spiritual ones also. There is an extensive list of preps and supplies in the latter chapters of this book. There is also a chapter on preparing spiritually.

Take care of yourself by getting lots of sleep, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, taking vitamins, keeping your immune system up, and avoiding crowds, and most of all pray.

Some of the latest updates on Ebola can be found at: https://www.internationalsos.com/ebola/index.cfm?content_id=407&language_id=ENG., which gives an update of what is going on in all affected countries.

Chapter 2: About Ebola

What is Ebola? Unless you have been under a rock somewhere, most people have an idea what Ebola is. Just in case you haven’t heard. Ebola is an infectious disease that is often fatal. The Ebola virus is characteristic of high fever and severe internal bleeding. It is a deadly virus that kills most of its victims, currently between 47-90%. There have already been over 1500 people killed, by the current Ebola strain, but many believe that the numbers are much higher and are going unreported because of fears that Africans have.

Ebola is now spread in several African countries with government quarantines instituted in some counties to keep the disease from spreading even further.  Health officials are now saying it is out of control. Most American organizations have pulled out of those countries.

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What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Early symptoms of Ebola are a sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches, and a sore throat. The incubation period is two to 21 days. The early symptoms will quickly escalate to vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver function and sometimes internal and external bleeding. Some patients also have a rash, red eyes, hiccups, chest pains and difficulty breathing and swallowing. Ebola currently can only officially be diagnosed by laboratory tests.

How is Ebola treated?

There is no cure yet for Ebola, however two American doctors and a few others who were given the experimental drug called ZMapp recovered from Ebola. There is not enough of this experimental drug to go around. Patients with Ebola are isolated, and closely monitored. They are given food and fluids, oxygen, and treated for any other complications or infections.

How does the Ebola virus spread?

Humans with Ebola can pass the virus to others through their body fluids, alive or dead. Some believe it is transmitted in other ways that may be unknown because of the high rate of health care workers contracting the virus even when they had on full protective gear.

Some of the benefits in preparing for Ebola:

Your stress levels, fear, anxiety, will all be greatly reduced when you have properly prepared and thought out the situation and have a plan on what to do before if it occurs where you live. Negative feelings are then minimized.

You will not be able to appropriately respond or effectively handle Ebola if you have not properly planned for it or are too stressed and filled with anxiety to appropriately respond. Being prepared ahead of time with the appropriate supplies and equipment, and by knowing what to do will increase a positive outcome.

Being prepared will also minimize the impact it will have on you and your family. For example, if you suspected the Ebola virus was coming you could prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, and physically. If it happened you would already be prepared with supplies, food, water, and shelter, you wouldn’t have to expose yourself to the environment and increase your chances of exposure.

Chapter 3: How To Prepare?

Contingency plans will vary a little, but the basics are the same and there are many ways to plan.

First you need to monitor what is going on daily or every few days. What are officials saying? What is the news saying? What information can you find on the internet and Youtube? Is Ebola continuing to spread? Are there any reported cases in the US? Pay attention to what is going on. You then must know the danger and warning signs of an impending outbreak and when to act.

Knowing what’s going on in your area will help you with planning, developing contingencies, securing the proper supplies, and developing a disaster supplies kit and a first aid and emergency kit. 

You can contact local disaster preparedness officials, look online, contact local weather bureaus in your area, and ask them to send you out any emergency information they have on Ebola or pandemics.

Planning begins with taking in consideration any or all of the following:

Relocating: If you need to relocate, determine how to evacuate from the area where you live safely. What roads offer the fastest and safest way out. Where do you go to be out of harm’s way.  In most cases, it is safer to stay right where you are. The reason being is because most of your supplies are there. It is home and offers comfort. You also know your neighbors in most cases.

Where to meet up with family members: Does each family member know where to meet and how to get home if there is an outbreak? You’ll want to have all family members at home if Ebola ever goes global. You’ll want to quickly be able to get to all family members. Know where your kids are at all times. If at home does each family member know how to safely hunker down or get to a meeting place?

How to contact each other: Everyone should know how to contact or where to meet if an emergency strikes and the family is not together. There should be a way to communicate with each other that is already planned. Cell phones may not work. Also have someone that everyone can contact who does not live in the area.

Familiarize yourself with school emergency procedures: Know your child’s school emergency procedures to help you get your child in an emergency. Know where they will be at all times. Also know your work emergency procedures for working at home, sick leave, vacation leave, etc.

Create an emergency or disaster supplies kit: Be prepared if you ever need to isolate yourself at home. Save time and money by knowing where all of your supplies are, while reducing stress and anxiety. 

Know how to shut off the water and gas in an evacuation. Make sure gas and water are off if you decide you need to leave the area for a period of time. For example, during earthquakes gas lines and water lines can become ruptured and many homes burn down because water lines are also damaged.

Decontamination room:  In the case of Ebola, you would want to have a decontamination room to take off clothes and scrub down before entering the rest of the home. Determine which rooms are most appropriate.

Chapter 4: Have a Disaster Supply Kit

Put together an emergency kit is to ensure you are prepared to shelter indoors for at least 90 days, in a worst case scenario. Be prepared to survive even without electricity or water as people may not show up at work or there are interruptions.

For your emergency supply kit, start with the basics:

Food and water: In a pandemic situation you may need to have enough to last at least 3 months or 90 days. More about this in the food chapter.

Flashlights with extra batteries: In an emergency you may not have lighting so be prepared to have a way to see at night or in the dark.

Portable, battery-operated television or radio: To know what’s going on have a way to get information by television, cell phone, or radio.

First Aid Kit: Pack your own first aid kit depending on your family needs. Packing your own kit allows you to have everything personalized just for you and your family.

Sanitary items: Sanitary items that you normally use should be included in your emergency kit. Include items like toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, feminine products, soap, and other sanitary products.

Cooking utensils: In an emergency you will need supplies for cooking, eating, and a way to warm and cook food. You will also need a can opener. Its good to have back up supplies. For instance, have at least two can openers.

Clothes and blankets: Have enough clean clothing on hand including rain gear and other clothing depending on the climate.

Money: Be prepared and always have some money on hand.

Relevant medications: Ensure that you have enough medications on hand for all family members that require medication.  Check the dates on medications regularly.

Make sure you maintain and update your emergency kit. Keep it where it is easy to find and will stay cool.

Chapter 5: Relocation

In a pandemic situation get where you want to be as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to leave if things get bad. Have in place a plan so that you remain calm.

Remember to:

Keep your gas tank filled in your car. At a minimum, keep your gas tank half full. Make other arrangements if you don’t have a car. 

Have a well thought out plan.

Have your disaster kit available if you are leaving.

Avoid delays, by leaving early.

Make sure you have strong clothing and shoes or boots.

Secure your home before leaving. Unplug electrical items. Shut off power and gas.

This is a quick list if you haven’t had sufficient time to pack.

Take your cell phone, wallet and important phone numbers.

Take bottled water and food that doesn’t require cooking.

Bring clothing, underwear, and toiletries.

Take all keys with you.

Have a radio and first aid kit.

Supplies to Have:
Chapter 6: Water

Water is needed by every person on the planet. It is a basic necessity of life. Without water people die. Water is even more crucial than food, because people can go a lot longer without food. In an emergency, water is often the first thing to be emptied off of store shelves. It is important to always have emergency water on hand, and to get water before a panic begins. Get all your supplies before the need arises.

Every person at a minimum needs about two quarts of water a day. It is recommended that homes have a least a gallon of water per person/per day in an emergency. In hot weather and with people exerting more physical activity, more water is needed. Children, sick people, and nursing moms also have a higher need for water.

Water Considerations

There are several considerations in storing water. Purchased commercially bottled water that is bought at the grocery store is considered to be the safest water option. Other options are bottling and storing your own water. In any case, one gallon of water per person a day at a minimum is ideal.  That would be about 2 quarts of water for drinking and food prep, and about 2 quarts for cleaning and sanitation. Keep at least a 3 day supply per person in any case. For a family of four a 3-day supply of water would be about 12 gallons of water. Water can be easily purchased at any grocery store when there is not a crisis. So purchase early. Commercially packaged water can be stored for up to 5 years.

Water storage
If you choose not to purchase bottled water you can store your own water.  Water can be stored in plastic juice bottles or soft drink containers. Other water storage containers must be food grade containers.  Clean containers with dish washing soap and water. Sanitize bottles by rinsing with water first, and then rinsing with a solution of bleach and water.  Rinsing solution should be one teaspoon of bleach to a quart of water. Let completely dry before adding tap water. The safest tap water is one that has been treated by a commercial water treatment company, such as is the case in most homes.

If water is untreated such as well water or water from any other source, the water must be treated. Add water to a container and then add 8 drops of plain household bleach (unscented)/per gallon of water. Let stand for 30 minutes before closing the lid. If water is cloudy add 16 drops of bleach/per gallon. Water purification tablets can also be used to treat water.

How to prepare water in an emergency for safety and health
Boiling water kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Household bleach kills bacteria and viruses. Boiling is believed to be a better choice in sanitizing water.
First strain water through a coffee filter or cheese cloth. Never use smelly or dark colored water. Boil water and bring water to a rolling boil and continue to boil for a few more minutes. Boiling kills most stuff in water except chemical contaminants. Chemical contaminants can’t be boiled or bleached out of water. Never use water that has been stored in containers in which chemicals have previously been in. Stored water should be kept in a refrigerator if possible or in a cool dark place.

Parasites that can be found in untreated water are Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), and giardiasis. Parasites can be spread from contaminated water and cause serious illness when not treated properly.

Other Water Sources in an emergency:
• Water Heater - The average water heater has between 30 – 60 gallons of water. Turn off electricity or gas, and open the drain at the bottom of the water heater tank to access water.
• Toilet Reserve Tank – Never use water from the toilet bowl.
• Swimming Pool
• Water Bed
• Canned Foods – Canned foods don’t require water because they have a lot of water already in them. This is another source of obtaining water.
• Rain Water - Some areas of the country do not receive a lot of water but only receive it seasonal, so this would not be an option. For those areas, that receive a lot of precipitation, collect rain water is an option. Water must be boiled for at least 10 minutes.
• Rivers, streams, ponds, lakes – Fresh water sources can be used, but water must be boiled.

Chapter 7: Food

Food is the second most crucial item to have on hand.  Keep a 3 month supply in a pandemic situation, but in an emergency situation you would want to have at least a 3 day supply minimum. The kind of food to store should be the kind of food that you and your family will eat. You’ll also want to store foods that are easy to prepare and have a long shelf life.  No one will be happy when food runs out so it is always wise to make sure you have enough of it. People love to eat and having food makes any crisis better.

Foods that require no cooking and water are best for emergencies.  If there is no power, cooking with Sterno can be used or other canned heat that is designed for cooking indoors. Always ventilate when cooking indoors.

All foods have a shelf life, so it’s important to rotate stored foods. Even unspoiled food begins to lose its nutritional value over time. Label foods with a Sharpie with dates. Organize by dates. Have emergency foods on hand as well as regular food.

Emergency foods that require little preparation or no cooking:
Canned Meat
Graham Crackers/Peanut Butter
Crackers/Cheese
Pudding Cups
Dried Fruit
Dry Cereal/Canned Milk
Peanut Butter, Nutella, and Jelly
Fruit, Granola, and/or Protein Bars
Nuts, Seeds, and Trail Mix
Protein Drinks
Canned Juice
Pasteurized Milk
Crackers
Vitamins
Baby Food
Candy/Cookies
Soup and Chili
Beans with Ham
Canned Fruits
Canned Vegetables

Other Related Items Needed for Preparing Foods:
Can Opener
Paper Plates
Paper Cups
Plastic Knives/Forks/Spoons
Garbage Bags
Hand Sanitizer
Bleach
Bug Spray
Dish Detergent
Cooking stove
Fuel

After obtaining short term emergency food supplies, begin building longer term food supplies.  Do an inventory of what you have. Most people already have a number of these items. An easy way to develop enough supplies over time is to buy one extra item each week when grocery shopping.

Long term storage food list for a family of four:
40 pounds of white rice
20 pounds of oatmeal
15 pounds of sugar
20 pounds of flour
5 pounds of corn meal
20 pounds of past
25 pounds of beans
5 pounds of salt
Oil
Baking soda and baking powder
Yeast
Powdered or canned milk
Spaghetti or pasta sauce
Seasonings

Chapter 8: First Aid Kit

Putting together a first aid kit according to your family’s needs can be fun and comforting. It is comforting to know that you have needed medical supplies catered to your own needs all in one place. First aid kits should be kept at home and in vehicles. Remember to rotate and frequently check expiration dates on medications and supplies.

Items to include in a first aid kit are:
Emergency Phone Numbers - Insure all family members including children know their home phone numbers and other important phone numbers in an emergency.
Emergency Medications (inhalers, allergy meds, antacids, etc.)
Hydrogen Peroxide/ Alcohol (for cleaning minor cuts and wounds)
Antibiotic Cream (to keep minor cuts and wounds from becoming infected)
Hydrocortisone Cream (multiple uses)
Bandages
Cold Compress or Ice Packs (to reduce swelling, keep perishables cool, cooling off)
Activated Heat pads (muscle aches, pain, keeping warm)
Aspirin (pain reliever, heart medication)
Tylenol (pain reliever, lowers fever)
Ibuprofen (pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, reduce swelling, lowers fever)
Safety pins
Soap
Hand Sanitizer
Gauze pads
Latex Gloves
Anti-diarrhea Medication
Antacid
Ipecac
Activated Charcoal
Laxative
Scissors
Tweezers
Tape
Needle
Thermometer
Vaseline
Anti-Itch Cream
Poison Ivy Cream
Feminine Products
Water
Face masks
blanket

Chapter 9: Emergency Tools and Supplies

An emergency tool and supply list can easily start with common household items that are found in the home. The key to prepping for an emergency is to have all the items in one place, organized, and labeled so you don’t have to look for the items when they are needed. You also don’t have to waste money purchasing items that you already have because of not being aware of what you have.

Here is a list of basic items needed:

Communications
Battery Operated Radio and Batteries or a Solar Powered Radio – In an power outage, it is critical to know what’s going on.  If a true pandemic hits there are bound to be service interruptions in various infrastructure. Radios offer coverage of local information. Solar power enables you to always have a power source as long as you have access to sunlight during the day.
Cell Phone
Cell Phone Chargers
Flashlight and Batteries
Laptop

Other Items:
Preparedness Manual – It is crucial having some information to refer back to. Have a first aid guide, medical guide, local maps, and more.
Cash - It is important to carry some cash at all times to buy goods. In an emergency ATM or credit cards may not work.
Map of the area (for locating nearby shelters, travel routes, and topography)
Plastic bucket with tight lid

Warmth:
Firewood
Hand warmers
Matches

Cooking Supplies:
Can Opener
Utensils/Silverware- Knives, Forks, spoons, etc.
Plates/ Cups
Cooking Stove
Cooking Fuel- Gas, Sterno, Charcoal, Firewood
Pots/Pans
Matches/ Lighter
Lighter Fluid
Garbage Bags

Sanitation:
Dish Detergent
Bug spray
Household Bleach
Toilet Paper
Ammonia
Disinfectants
Shovels
Soaps
Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol
Hydrogen Peroxide
Antibiotics
Bandages
Paper Towels
Baby Wipes
Garbage bags
Face masks
Protective clothing
latex gloves

Emergency:
Shut off wrench for gas and water heaters
Whistle
Gun & Ammo
Pepper & Bear Spray
Plywood, Nails,
Plastic Sheeting
Tape -  Tape is needed to secure plastic sheeting over windows, or to cordon off areas.
Axe
Good Utility Knife
Fire Extinguisher
Shovel
Hammer, Wrench
Saw

Personal Hygiene:
Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Floss
Toilet Paper
Feminine Hygiene
Sunscreen
Shaver/Razor Blades
Nail Kit
Tweezers/ Nail Clippers
Antifungals (feet)
Storage Containers
Needles and thread

Clothing:

Clothing that can easily be layered.
Cold and warm weather clothing depending on climate
Boots and/or a good pair of shoes
Coat, Sweaters, scarves, gloves, etc.
Rain gear
Umbrella
Blankets & sleeping bags

Baby Items:
Bottles
Milk/Formula
Baby Food
Diapers
Wipes
Baby Lotion/ Powder/Petroleum Jelly
Pacifier
Medications

Entertainment:
Books
Cards
Games
Puzzles
Music
Sewing & Knitting Supplies
Art
Coloring Books/Crayons
Educational Materials for Children

Documents to Keep Handy:
Photos
Marriage/ Death Certificates
Birth Certificates
Social Security Cards
Pink Slips
Housing contracts & deeds
Wills
Stocks/Bonds
Degrees & Certificates
Immunization Records
Bank Account Numbers

Chapter 10: How to Protect Your Home in a Emergency Pandemic

In an emergency situation there may not be adequate police protection to respond to everyone. So it is important to have some kind of plan on how to secure your home to protect your family. In securing your home, you’ll want to have supplies on hand before needed. You’ll also want to pre measure to see how much materials will be needed to secure windows, etc.

Options on securing a home in an emergency:
Bars – Bars can be installed over windows to keep intruders out.
Wood – Plywood can be screwed over windows in an emergency to keep windows from breaking and keeping people out.
Security Film – Strengthens windows when applied properly.
Reinforced Doors – Steel doors are stronger than all other types of doors but has to be installed before an emergency arises.
Plastic Sheeting – To keep germs out, apply a protective barrier to windows.

Other personal protection options:
Gun
Bat
Nail/Staple Gun
Bear Spray – Bear spray contains the chemical Oleoresin Capsicum, which gives it the burning sensation. It can be found in aerosol or foam. Foam is recommended over aerosol. This is a gun alternative. 
Dogs – Dogs are great in providing security and being an early warning system for intruders and are very loyal.
Security Camera
Motion Sensing Lights
Fire Extinguisher

About Providing Security
Keep supplies in safe spot. Discuss with family and children so everyone knows what to do to stay safe. Every person should know what to do in an emergency. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times. 

Chapter 11: Spiritual Preparation - If You Don’t Know the Lord Jesus Get Saved

First, do you know the Lord? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, call on him to save you. Everyone in the world is in need of a savior, because all have sinned.  The penalty of sin is death. Death refers to an eternity in hell to all those who are lost. God loves you, and don’t want anyone to go to hell, that’s why he sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for you and pay the penalty for all your sins. Accept what he has done for you and believe on him and receive him. Don’t miss out on being with God in heaven. Don’t miss out on the complete love of God and all the things that come with his love like peace, security, joy, being with loved ones who are also saved, no more sorrows, and much more. If you want to experience all these things and not be lost please pray the prayer below: 

Lord Jesus, forgive me of all my sins. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins, and that God the father raised you from the dead. Please save me and don’t let me die in my sins. Please come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Here are a few Bible Verses that explain how to be saved.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.1 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.3 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

Hope this guide has been helpful. Remember to be watchful and always pray.