A number of organizations are mentioned, and it sticks in my mind that its a "message from the Ad Council". I'll try to catch it in the morning in the next few days, and make a few notes.

The message is fairly long, talking about the difference between seasonal flu and pandemic flu. It stresses that quarantines may occur, and that there may be "some disruption of services" as a result. It recommends preparedness in the form of having a two week supply of food and water on hand, medications stocked up, etc. That's about it.

My primary concern, living where I do, is that if an outbreak occurred during winter months and there were a disruption in delivery of heating oil, natural gas and/or electricity, it would be extremely serious. We're well stocked with food and water for the family memebrs that would gather here to wait out the quarantine. That's less of a problem for me than heat when the temperature hovers around zero for days at a time. I have an oil-fired boiler system, so if the tank is full (note to self: keep tank topped up) and I can get power to the circulating pump and ignition system, we'll be OK. I'm working out now what sort of generating equipment I will need to accomplish that.

Cooking is also an issue. Hot beverages are awfully comforting in cold weather, and cold food gets tiresome after a while. I'm looking at an alcohol stove. The efficiency is lower than propane, but I have concerns about long term storage of propane. Nothing like picking up a tank and realizing only then that's it's empty to ruin your day.