Red Cross Urges Families and Communities to Prepare During Swine Flu Outbreak

Washing Hands, Recognizing Symptoms Key to Prevent Spread

WASHINGTON, April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washing hands and paying close
attention to symptoms of illness are just some of the things the public can to
do help reduce the risk from the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, the American Red
Cross said today.

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"This is a serious situation that has the potential to spread, and it is a
good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public
health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans," said
Scott Conner, Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Health & Safety
Services at the American Red Cross. "Taking steps to prepare for potential
emergencies in advance can go a long way in making families feel safer."

The American Red Cross urges the public to remember these simple actions:

-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough
or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and
water aren't available.
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are
feeling sick.

Children have been greatly impacted by this outbreak, and need to know how to
properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs. The Red Cross has
partnered with NSF International's (NSF) Scrub Club(R) to educate children
about the importance of hand washing to protect them against influenza. The
Scrub Club Web site (scrubclub.org) is an easy, online tool to teach kids how
to wash their hands and why it's important.

If families are asked to stay home during this outbreak, it's important to
have a plan and supplies in place before that happens. The Red Cross
recommends:

-- Stock extra food, water and supplies at home to reduce the need to go
out should swine flu become more widespread, limiting potential for
exposure to the virus.
-- Be sure to include household necessities such as laundry detergent,
toilet paper, etc. Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.
-- Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and
medical items for all family members. Include non-prescription
medications as well.

Other preparedness steps that can be taken include:

-- Plan for what you would do if you had to stay at home for a period of
time.
-- Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared
for if they got sick.
-- Find out your employer's plans to keep the business open if key
staff can't come to work.
-- Ask your child's school or day care if there are plans to encourage
sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
-- Identify how you can get information, whether through local radio, TV,
internet or other sources.

For more tips on how to prepare yourself, your family and community for this
and other potential emergencies, visit www.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters;
provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills;
and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a
charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on
volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its
humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or
join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross

American Red Cross Media Relations, +1-202-303-5551, media@usa.redcross.org