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BE PREPARED FOR A NOVEL PANDEMIC

A novel (new) , like 2019 (COVID-19), can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to

FEMA P-2150/October 2020 predict when or where the next novel pandemic will emerge.

A pandemic is a that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics May be May be spread May be spread A , testing, or treatment are most often caused spread indirectly. Germs by people who for the disease may not exist by , like directly from can pass from a are infected right away. It may take months COVID-19, which can person to non-living object but don’t or years for the majority of the easily spread from person. to a person. have any world to become immune to person to person. symptoms. the disease.

IF A NOVEL PANDEMIC IS DECLARED

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 Clean and disinfect high- seconds and try not to touch touch objects and surfaces. your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Keep a distance of at least Stay at home as much as six feet between yourself 6 feet possible to prevent the and people who are not spread of disease. part of your household.

Follow the guidance of the Cover your mouth and nose Centers for Disease Control with a mask when in public. and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities. HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A PANDEMIC THREATENS

Stay Prepare Healthy Be Safe NOW DURING AFTER

Learn how spread to help Follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and Continue taking protective actions, protect yourself and others. state and local authorities to prevent the spread of like: disease. Refer to your local and state public Take actions to prevent the spread • Staying home when you are sick departments for vaccine and testing updates. of disease. Cover and (except to get medical care). sneezes. Stay home when sick Maintain good personal health habits and public • Following the guidance of your (except to get medical care). health practices. Proper handwashing and provider. Wash hands with soap and water disinfecting surfaces help to slow the spread for at least 20 seconds. of disease. If soap and water are not available, • Covering coughs and sneezes use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 with a tissue. Plan for schools, workplaces, and percent alcohol. • Washing your hands with community centers to be closed. soap and water for at least 20 Investigate and prepare for virtual Limit close, face-to-face contact with others. coordination for school, work Stay at home as much as possible to prevent seconds. (telework), and social activities. the spread of disease. Follow guidance on the re-opening of businesses, schools, community- Create an emergency plan so that If you believe you’ve been exposed to the disease, you and your family know what to contact your doctor, follow the based organizations, houses of do and what you will need in case instructions from medical providers, and worship, and workplaces. an outbreak happens. Consider monitor your symptoms. If you’re experiencing Be sure to evaluate your family how a pandemic may affect your a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and shelter in emergency plan and make timely plans for other emergencies. place with a mask, if possible, until help arrives. updates. Gather supplies in case you Practice while in public. Keep Work with your community to talk need to stay home for several a distance of at least six feet between yourself about the lessons you learned from days or weeks. Supplies may and people who are not part of your household. the pandemic. Decide how you can include cleaning supplies, non- Avoid crowds and large groups of people. use these experiences to be more perishable foods, prescriptions, prepared for future pandemics. Share accurate information about the disease and bottled water. Buy supplies with friends, family, and people on social media. slowly to ensure that everyone Sharing bad information about the disease or has the opportunity to buy what treatments for the disease may have serious Take an Active Role they need. Remember that not health outcomes. Remember that stigma hurts everyone can afford to stock up everyone and can cause discrimination against in Your Safety immediately. Consider avoiding people, places, or nations. WIC-labeled products so that Go to Ready.gov and search those who rely on these products Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. for novel pandemic and 12 can access them. Engage virtually with your community through Ways to Prepare to learn video and phone calls. Take care of your body more about how to help you Review your health insurance and talk to someone if you are feeling upset. and your family prepare for a to understand what they policies . Download the FEMA cover, including telemedicine app to get more information options. about preparing for a novel Create password-protected digital pandemic. Sign up for the copies of important documents Centers for Disease Control and store in a safe place. Watch and Prevention subscription out for scams and fraud. services. FEMA P-2150