An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: that’s the main message from local health and government officials across Western North Carolina in preparation for possibly dealing with the corona-virus Covid 19. Here are 5 things that they want you to know:
1. Join your county’s emergency alert system. In Buncombe County that means texting BC alert to 888777; you’ll begin receiving emergency notifications. In Henderson, Haywood and other surrounding counties, just text your zip code to that same number – 888777. Checkout & bookmark this BC Alert page because it has a wealth of valuable emergency information, regardless of what’s happening in our community. Also, bookmark this page. This is where you’ll find the latest local information about Covid19’s impact on our community and what authorities want you to know.
2. Make a plan for your family. This includes stocking up supplies so that you can live independent of any help for 3 days. Also, figure out a child care backup plan in the event schools would be affected. Note: this is a good idea regardless of Covid 19; you’ll be prepared for power outages, etc. Just don’t go crazy and buy all of the toilet paper in the grocery store, please! Top among the suggestions by the American Red Cross:
a. 1 gallon of water per day per person for at least 3 days. (that’s enough for drinking, brushing teeth, etc.
b. Enough non-perishable canned food to feed each person for 3 days. Don’t forget to include a manual can opener!
c. dog/cat food & water for your pet(s).
d. Prescription medications you take on a daily basis.
3. Think you might be sick? DON’T GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM YET! This is SUPER important because the hospitals and emergency workers need to prep for your arrival in order to protect everyone. DO CALL YOUR FAMILY DOC FIRST! Area docs have been prepped on how to screen for Covid 19 and will be able to alert the ER, etc in the event you need hospital care. Can’t reach your primary doc? Call 911 and let them guide you on the next steps.
4. WASH YOUR HANDS! A lot. Seriously. You just can’t do that enough and it is the NUMBER 1 thing that you can do to help stop the spread. The best practice is 20 seconds of washing with soap and warm water. Sing the Happy Birthday Song to yourself – it’s 20 seconds and what a wonderful way to celebrate YOU!
5. Get your FLU Shot! It is not too late, and here’s why docs are stressing point: should there be a Covid 19 outbreak that affects us, hospital resources will be stretched. Keeping flu cases down will help free up those resources.
