COVID-19 How to Prepare Yourself

Everyone knows that disasters can happen at any time, and Middlesex County residents are no strangers to dealing with with Mother Nature's extreme impacts that cause emergencies.  A disease may not always be considered a disaster, but when a virus reaches around the world, like COVID-19, it is considered a public health emergency. Individuals and families can prepare for ANY emergency, including public health emergencies, by making a kit, having a plan, and staying informed. 

To learn more about preparedness planning visit https://www.ready.gov. 

Make a Kit

When preparing for an emergency, such as COVID-19, your emergency kit should have the following items:

• Additional supplies of food and water. 
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference. Get help accessing electronic health records.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• 
  

Have a Plan to Protect Your Home

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/protect-home.html

Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Stay Informed

New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub https://covid19.nj.gov/

NJ 2-1-1 https://www.nj211.org

New Jersey Department of Health https://www.nj.gov/health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency https://www.fema.gov

S​ee the additional helpful resources below to help yourself better prepare:

Create a Family Emergency Plan         When and How to Wash Your Hands       

Emergency Kit Ch​ecklist     ​                   Getting Your Home Ready for a Pandemic

  ​​

Return to Office of Health Services​​​​