• Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs that does not normally infect humans. However, in Mexico, hundreds have been diagnosed with the disease that has symptoms similar to the regular flu.
• This week, 8 confirmed cases have been reported in the U.S., in California and Texas.
• Experts are debating the pandemic potential of this hybrid disease. That is, whether this strain of swine flu could potentially spread like wildfire from one person to another.

Is your family prepared? Here are some things you can do right now:

1. Stay informed. Visit the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, or www.pandemic.gov for the latest information.
2. Prepare your plan. Your family needs to gather an emergency disaster kit, with enough food and water on hand for at least 3 days. Of course, in the case of a pandemic flu, it is might be better to have enough supplies for a week or more, since you may not be able to go to the store. Here’s a brochure that lists what to keep at home, as well as how to care for a sick family member.
3. Make sure your business is prepared. Think about it: what would happen in half of your staff all called in sick? Would they be able to work from home? How much would your business suffer if it could not perform daily functions for a week or more? The Red Cross has a program that can help your business plan for these types of emergencies, called the Ready Rating Program. Already, more than 100 area businesses are members.