CDC Guidelines for Home Preparation During Coronavirus Outbreak

Checklist for Individuals and Families

As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. Use this checklist to help you take steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family.

Engineering Controls reduce exposures
	PLAN AND PREPARE
	Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials
	Create a household plan of action. Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illnesses. 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, healthcare services, support, and resources. Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources. Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.
	Take everyday preventive actions: 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 if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace.

Administrative Controls refer to employer-dictated work practices
	TAKE ACTION
	In case of an outbreak in your community, protect yourself and others: Stay home and speak to your healthcare provider if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs^: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face ^This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning. Keep away from others who are sick Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet)
	Put your household plan into action Continue to practice everyday preventive actions If someone in the household is sick, separate them into the prepared room If caring for a 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 Notify your work if your schedule needs to change Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself
	Take additional precautions for those at highest risk, particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions. Consider staying at home and away from crowds if you or a family member are an older adult or have underlying health issues Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick and limit close contact with others Practice good hand hygiene
	Take the following steps to help protect your children during an outbreak: Notify your child’s school if your child becomes sick with COVID-19 Keep track of school dismissals in your community Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places

Page last reviewed: March 5, 2020

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

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