BE PREPARED FOR A 

NOVEL PANDEMIC

FEMA P-2150/October 2020

A novel (new) virus, like 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 

(COVID-19), can emerge from 

anywhere and quickly spread 

around the world. It is hard to 

predict when or where the next 

novel pandemic will emerge.

A pandemic is a 

disease outbreak 

that spans several 

countries and affects 

a large number of 

people. Pandemics 

are most often caused 

by viruses, like 

COVID-19, which can 

easily spread from 

person to person.

May be 

spread 

directly from 

person to 

person.

May be spread 

indirectly. Germs 

can pass from a 

non-living object 

to a person.

May be spread 

by people who 

are infected 

but don’t 

have any 

symptoms.

A vaccine, testing, or treatment 

for the disease may not exist 

right away. It may take months 

or years for the majority of the 

world to become immune to 

the disease.

IF A NOVEL PANDEMIC IS DECLARED

Wash your hands often with 

soap and water for at least 20 

seconds and try not to touch 

your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Keep a distance of at least 

six feet between yourself 

and people who are not 

part of your household.

Cover your mouth and nose 

with a mask when in public.

Clean and disinfect hightouch objects and surfaces.

Stay at home as much as 

possible to prevent the 

spread of disease.

Follow the guidance of the 

Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention (CDC) and 

local authorities.

6 feet
HOW TO STAY SAFE 

WHEN A PANDEMIC THREATENS

Prepare 

NOW

Learn how diseases spread to help 

protect yourself and others. 

Take actions to prevent the spread 

of disease. Cover coughs and 

sneezes. Stay home when sick 

(except to get medical care). 

Wash hands with soap and water 

for at least 20 seconds. 

Plan for schools, workplaces, and 

community centers to be closed.

Investigate and prepare for virtual 

coordination for school, work 

(telework), and social activities.

Create an emergency plan so that 

you and your family know what to 

do and what you will need in case 

an outbreak happens. Consider 

how a pandemic may affect your 

plans for other emergencies.

Gather supplies in case you 

need to stay home for several 

days or weeks. Supplies may 

include cleaning supplies, nonperishable foods, prescriptions, 

and bottled water. Buy supplies 

slowly to ensure that everyone 

has the opportunity to buy what 

they need. Remember that not 

everyone can afford to stock up 

immediately. Consider avoiding 

WIC-labeled products so that 

those who rely on these products 

can access them.

Review your health insurance 

policies to understand what they 

cover, including telemedicine 

options. 

Create password-protected digital 

copies of important documents

and store in a safe place. Watch 

out for scams and fraud.

Stay 

Healthy

DURING

Follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and 

state and local authorities to prevent the spread of 

disease. Refer to your local and state public health 

departments for vaccine and testing updates.

Maintain good personal health habits and public 

health practices. Proper handwashing and 

disinfecting surfaces help to slow the spread 

of disease. If soap and water are not available, 

use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 

percent alcohol.

Limit close, face-to-face contact with others.

Stay at home as much as possible to prevent 

the spread of disease. 

If you believe you’ve been exposed to the disease,

contact your doctor, follow the quarantine 

instructions from medical providers, and 

monitor your symptoms. If you’re experiencing 

a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and shelter in 

place with a mask, if possible, until help arrives. 

Practice social distancing while in public. Keep 

a distance of at least six feet between yourself 

and people who are not part of your household. 

Avoid crowds and large groups of people.

Share accurate information about the disease

with friends, family, and people on social media. 

Sharing bad information about the disease or 

treatments for the disease may have serious 

health outcomes. Remember that stigma hurts 

everyone and can cause discrimination against 

people, places, or nations.

Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. 

Engage virtually with your community through 

video and phone calls. Take care of your body 

and talk to someone if you are feeling upset.

Be Safe 

AFTER

Continue taking protective actions, 

like:

• Staying home when you are sick 

(except to get medical care).

• Following the guidance of your 

health care provider.

• Covering coughs and sneezes 

with a tissue.

• Washing your hands with 

soap and water for at least 20 

seconds.

Follow guidance on the re-opening of 

businesses, schools, communitybased organizations, houses of 

worship, and workplaces.

Be sure to evaluate your family 

emergency plan and make timely 

updates.

Work with your community to talk 

about the lessons you learned from 

the pandemic. Decide how you can 

use these experiences to be more 

prepared for future pandemics.

Take an Active Role

 in Your Safety

Go to Ready.gov and search 

for novel pandemic and 12 

Ways to Prepare to learn 

more about how to help you 

and your family prepare for a 

disaster. Download the FEMA 

app to get more information 

about preparing for a novel 

pandemic. Sign up for the 

Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention subscription 

services. FEMA P-2150