While our health care agencies prepare to care for COVID-19 patients, so can we. Use your extra time at home wisely by preparing your household and family members for what may come. As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here is a checklist from the CDC highlighting ways you and your family can prepare.

Stay informed and in touch

• Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials

• Ask your neighbors what their plan includes.

• Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources.

• Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

Prepare for possible illness

• Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illnesses.

• Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.

• Take everyday preventive steps, such as:

— Wash your hands frequently.

— Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

— Stay home when you are sick.

— Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

— Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

— Be prepared with activities or alternative child care to help your child while their school or day care is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace.

Watch for symptoms

• Stay home and speak to your health care provider if you develop any of these symptoms:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

If someone in your home is sick

• Continue to practice everyday preventive actions.

• Keep the ill person in a separate room from others in the household.

• If caring for a sick household member, follow recommended precautions and monitor your own health.

• Keep surfaces disinfected.

• Avoid sharing personal items.

If you become sick, stay in contact with others by phone or email.

Stay informed about the local outbreak situation.

Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself.

Those at higher risk of severe illness

Take additional precautions for those at higher risk, particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions.

Children

Notify your child’s school if your child becomes sick with COVID-19, even during school closures.

Keep track of online learning opportunities or other messages from your child’s school.

Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places.

While COVID-19 is making waves worldwide, in most cases it is manageable at home — much like the flu. You can find the information from this article as well as the latest updates and ways to protect yourself at cdc.gov/covid19.