Supplies to survive

Special Report: Supplies to survive

The bird flu...

"Pick up a paper or turn on the news and it's there."
"What if the bird flu hits the United States."
"An epidemic that could kill millions of Americans."

A possible pandemic…

Dr. Robert Webster, Ph.D.
"We can't say if it's this week this month this year...but it will happen."

Dr. Robert Webster has spent his life figuring out how to fight the flu. And he's the one the U.S. Government is turning to now.

Dr. Robert Webster, Ph.D.
"We are not anywhere near ready."

Sharon Barsano/preparing for the bird flu
"There is about a month's supply of food down here."

Sharon Barsano is doing everything she can to get ready.

Sharon Barsano/preparing for the bird flu
"I tried to pick high protein and I tried to pick things that my family will eat."

She's stockpiled everything in carver home: peanut butter, juice boxes, water, vitamins, paper products, and pet food.

Sharon Barsano/preparing for the bird flu
"Running out of space. So this, I put up here."

She even has a generator if the electricity goes out - because experts believe if an outbreak happens so many people will be sick that basic things like power and your water service will stop.

Sharon Barsano/preparing for the bird flu
"It gives you peace of mind if you have a plan."

So what do you need and where do you start? Think about what you can't live without and use that as your guide as you stock up. Start storing a ten-day supply of water and food that doesn't need heat or refrigeration. And don't forget about things like: medications, baby formula and diapers, batteries, flash lights, soap, garbage bags and a manual can opener.

Paul Duffy/Atlantic Food Mart
"When you're buying two, buy three and just to be prepared."

Some supermarkets want to help you bag it all up: posting the government's checklist in the shopping aisles.

Paul Duffy/Atlantic Food Mart
"They're just like post-it notes, so you just remember when you walk down you remember oh, I picked up the pet food, oh I need to get my flashlights that kind of thing."

Experts also say to have a family game plan.

Sharon Barsano/preparing for the bird flu
"When does come here it's going to make many people very sick very quickly."

As a nurse Barsano worries if bird flu hits, she may not be able to get home for weeks and she wants her son to be prepared.

Sharon Barsano/preparing for the bird flu
"My son is 16 so he's old enough to understand I think and not be scared about if I don't come home."

Because Barsano knows he has the "supplies to survive."

You don't have to go out and get all the stuff at once-pick up a few items each week. Experts also say discuss ahead of time childcare arrangements in the event that schools are closed or family members are sick.

Contacts and links:
Find out what you need:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services