Pandemic preparedness checklist: what to keep at home and how to organize
Which supplies, medicines and protective items to keep at home for a flu epidemic or a pandemic, how to care for a sick person at home without the whole family getting ill, and how to avoid panic buying.
In short
- For an epidemic, keep two weeks of supplies so you can stay home if you get sick or if isolation is advised.
- Beyond food and water: fever and pain relievers, rehydration salts, a thermometer, N95/FFP2 masks, sanitizer and your regular prescriptions.
- Plan how you'd care for someone sick at home: a separate room, one caregiver, good ventilation.
- Buy gradually and early. Panic buying empties shelves for everyone, including the most vulnerable.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed how quickly things can change: empty shelves, pharmacies out of fever reducers, masks impossible to find, weeks of staying home as much as possible. Public health experts say another pandemic is a matter of when, not if. And a bad flu season with half the family in bed can happen any winter.
Preparing is simple and largely overlaps with the home emergency supplies you may already have.
Two weeks of supplies
- Water and food for 14 days. See the non-perishable food list.
- Easy food for sick days: soup, crackers, tea, honey, applesauce.
- Pet food and baby supplies if needed.
- Toilet paper, tissues, trash bags.
Medicines and medical supplies
- Regular prescription medicines for at least 30 days. See emergency medication supply.
- Fever and pain relievers (acetaminophen/paracetamol, ibuprofen), including children’s versions, used as the label directs.
- Oral rehydration salts.
- Thermometer (and spare batteries).
- Pulse oximeter, useful for monitoring oxygen during respiratory illness.
- Cough, sore throat and congestion remedies, as your pharmacist recommends.
- Disposable tissues.
Protection and hygiene
- N95 or FFP2 masks, enough for two weeks.
- Disposable gloves.
- Soap and hand sanitizer with at least 60–70% alcohol.
- Surface disinfectant or bleach (used as directed, never mixed with other products).
- Laundry detergent.
Family plan
- Who looks after the kids if schools close and parents need to work.
- Who checks on older relatives and brings them groceries.
- How you’ll work from home if possible: laptop, internet, access to work systems.
- What happens if the caregiver gets sick.
- Useful numbers: your doctor, pharmacy, telehealth services.
Caring for someone sick at home
- A separate room, ideally with its own bathroom.
- One caregiver, not in a high-risk group.
- Ventilate several times a day.
- Masks for anyone entering the room, and for the patient when others are present.
- Hand washing after every contact.
- Separate dishes, towels and bedding, washed hot.
- Watch for warning signs: trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or nails, fever that won’t come down. Call the emergency number.
No panic
- Buy gradually and early, a little each trip.
- Don’t hoard more than you need: leave some for others.
- Get information from official sources: your health ministry or public health agency, WHO. Ignore rumors in group chats.
- Get the vaccines your doctor recommends, including the flu shot if you’re in a risk group.
Frequently asked questions
How many masks should I keep?
A simple rule: one N95 or FFP2 mask per day for each family member who goes out, for two weeks, plus a few for whoever cares for a sick person. For a family of four, one or two boxes of 20–50 is plenty. Check expiry dates: elastic and filters degrade over time.
What do I do if someone in the family gets sick?
Isolate them in a separate room with one caregiver. Ventilate often, wear a mask in their room, wash hands after every contact and clean frequently touched surfaces. Call your doctor for advice and the emergency number for serious signs: trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips.
Should I stockpile antibiotics or antivirals?
No. Antibiotics don't treat viral infections and should only be taken on a doctor's prescription. Antivirals are prescribed for specific illnesses. What's worth keeping at home are over-the-counter fever and pain relievers and a supply of your regular medications.
Sources and further reading
Preper is for general education and does not replace instructions from your local authorities or advice from a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.