Be Prepared: Pandemic

A pandemic (from Greek παν pan all + δήμος demos people) is an epidemic (an outbreak of an infectious disease) that spreads across a large region, or even worldwide.

Several weeks ago Patsy Fogarty and I attended a gathering of the 5 local Episcopal churches at St. Mary’s winter chapel in NEH. At our earlier meeting this past fall we discussed ways our churches could make a difference in our communities at time of crisis. You’ve heard a bit about Pandemic, but what does that mean today, tomorrow or ??? Gretchen O’Grady of the Ellsworth chapter of the American Red Cross spoke to the group. Who will be the helpers and caregivers? It was eye-opening to learn it will be the individual and the family. You can we expect the National and State governments to limit or stop most travel. One sneezing session in an airplane holds the possibility of spreading the virus around the world. Schools may well be closed; commerce will be impacted in the extreme. Avoiding exposure is the best way to protect you and loved ones. The preparations you can make today probably won’t be possible to do when a pandemic is in progress. Gretchen handed out two papers that are invaluable in the planning process: Food and Water in an Emergency and Home Care for Pandemic Flu. For those not able to get them via their computers, we will have a few copies available, on request, in the Saint John church office in Southwest Harbor (244-3229). Please take the time to read, think, and act upon them as one of your New Year’s resolutions. If you have any questions, suggestions, or further thoughts on pandemic, please contact either Patsy (244-9410) or me

Ted Bromage (244-3227)