The US government considering plans to use the military for enforcement of quarantines in the event of an avian influenza or bird flu outbreak occurring. Presumably this includes armed personell, tanks and planes. Curfews and restriction on movement should also be expected. Pictures of science fiction movies with men in white suits and gas masks herding people into containment centres comes to mind.
So what are your family plans if forced to be housebound by a bird flu outbreak?
Reviewing the time between recent disaster events and return of basic food and shelter facilities indicates you could be left to fend for yourself for 2 or 3 weeks, whilst response activities reach
the affected area.
Consider that once a local outbreak is detected the reactions of others, less prepared will create
chaos as they empty store shelves gathering basic provisions.
This time spent without reliance on food and clean water is something you can plan for today.
Start a plan now - for starters....
Sufficient containers to stock with water for 3 weeks.
Enough imperishable food to live off - and a can opener.
What about stocking up on Paracetamol.
Maintaining sufficient supplies of medication.
Radio with batteries.
Torch.
Of course the federal military are currently prohibited from law-enforcement by the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, enacted during the post-Civil War.
Expect this to change if the chicken flu hits the fan....
Ref http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411319/618722
