Prepare for a public health emergency
The March 2020 COVID-19 lockdown showed what happens when a health emergency catches families unprepared: masks and hand sanitiser unavailable for weeks, supermarket shelves empty, schools shut, NHS overwhelmed. The 2009 swine flu pandemic affected 800,000+ in the UK. Winter flu seasons routinely strain the NHS. The question isn't if the next pandemic will come — it's when.
The difference between a prepared and vulnerable family during a health emergency is simple: 14 days of basic supplies (water, food, hygiene, chronic medication), FFP2/FFP3 masks in stock, digital thermometer and pulse oximeter for symptom monitoring.
Essential supplies for a public health emergency
Health: digital thermometer, pulse oximeter, FFP2/FFP3 masks (pack of 50), 70% alcohol hand sanitiser (1 L), disposable gloves, paracetamol, ibuprofen, oral rehydration salts.
14-day food supplies: 3 L water/person/day, dried pasta, rice, beans, tinned food, long-life milk, dried fruit, baby food if applicable, pet food. Chronic medication for 30 days ahead.
Hygiene and cleaning: soap, toilet paper, sanitary products, nappies, household bleach, washing-up liquid. Remember: maintain regular stock through winter flu season (October-March), not just during named emergencies.