A BIRD FLU PREPARATION REMINDER 1

This message is just to give people another heads up on the avian influenza issue. Too many folks are either not taking this matter seriously enough, which could prove to be not only a costly mistake but a deadly one too for them and their loved ones. Understand that this is not like Y2K, this is not based on fear and hype, and it is being taken seriously by governments all around the globe. The uncertainty of Y2K was difficult enough, but at least it was a situation where if you faced life and death at all, it was due primarily to adverse weather since it was going to occur on January 1st, 2000 if it was going to occur at all. With Y2K we knew the precise moment at which it was either going to become a reality or simply 'much ado about nothing.' We don't have that luxury with a bird flu pandemic if it arrives. If and/or when it comes - make no mistake about it - it is going to be deadly unlike anything we've seen since 1918 when more than 650,000 Americans died from influenza in a matter of months.

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In mid March of 2006, the Health and Human Services Secretary issued a statement recommending that ‘American’s start storing canned tuna and powdered milk under their beds.’ The American Red Cross has also issued a warning that if there’s a Pandemic we need to be prepared to be stuck in our homes for perhaps ten days, and that we may be without power and water due to manpower shortages at the utility companies. We also have to consider the possibility that banks and schools will be closed, as will the hospitals, grocery stores, mail delivery and even trash pick-up.

And in April 2006 in England it was reported that they're working on plans to try to deal with widespread food shortages expected during such a pandemic. They are also concerned that the biggest “food firms” have not been doing enough to prepare for this event. The British government feels that any pandemic could last longer than six months, and with them figuring that length of time into the formulation of their plans, it makes you wonder why we're told only to prepare for only ten days. That’s quite a stretch from Englands estimate of 180 days or more.

A good savings habit to consider starting is emptying the spare change out of your pockets each night into a coffee can or other container. You will not miss this ‘pocket money’ and you will be surprised at how quickly it will begin to add up to hundreds of dollars without being a burden on your budget. As the can fills you can exchange the coins for fives, tens, and twenty dollar bills in case you need cash to buy things during an emergency where electrical services could be temporarily disrupted such as a hurricane or pandemic.