We’re ‘super’ prepared for the big game. Are you?

The 2013 Super Bowl showed Americans the value of preparedness. A power outage interrupted the game for 30 minutes, but officials at the New Orleans stadium were ready for emergency. They used generators to restore lights and the fire department assisted attendees trapped inside a stadium elevator.

With this year’s Super Bowl just around the corner, it’s a good reminder that you have the power to prepare yourself, your family and your community for power outages — and so many other health emergencies.

Let’s start with power outages, which can be especially dangerous — and even life-threatening — in cold winter weather. APHA’s Get Ready campaign has tips to help keep you safe in case of an outage.

• Have a first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, battery-operated radio, canned foods, can opener and bottled water.
• Make sure you know how to shut off gas, water and electricity at the source in your home.
• Tell the police department and fire department in advance if anybody in your home needs special assistance.
• Have plenty of warm clothes that you can wear during a power outage.
• If a power outage occurs, don’t touch any power lines either on the roof of your home or on the ground.

Getting your flu shot is another way to be prepared. Did you know that flu activity this season is still high in 23 states and has been elevated for nine consecutive weeks? Even NFL superstars like Aaron Rodgers can catch the flu and spread disease to their teammates or families.

Don’t let the flu sack you like it’s sacked Tom Brady! Here’s one easy way to protect yourself: Visit Flu Near You to see how the flu is affecting your area and find nearby locations offering flu shots. You can even download the app for Apple or Android devices.

And if you or people you’re close to get the flu, our Get Ready campaign has a list of supplies you'll need to feel better.

Thanks for reading, and make sure your Super Bowl plans include good food, good fun and good emergency preparedness.

Get ready for the Super Bowl!

Photo: NFL

Although most Americans will watch the Super Bowl indoors, more than 80,000 lucky football fans will get to see the big game in person in New Jersey on Feb. 2. With this year’s Super Bowl being played in a huge outdoor stadium — with temperatures there expected to be in the 20s and 30s on Sunday — now’s a good time for a refresher on how to be prepared.
 
Whether you’re watching a professional football game in a stadium or attending a local sports event this winter, chances are you’ll be exposed to cold weather for a long period of time. If you’re not prepared, you can be subject to dangerous and even life-threatening conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia.
 
When you’re going to be outdoors for a long time in cold weather, make plans to dress warmly and in tightly woven layers to prevent heat loss, and pay special attention to your hands and feet. Choose moisture-resistant coats, jackets, hats, gloves and other cold weather gear, as wet clothes increase the chance of heat loss. Drinking warm beverages such as apple cider or broth can help too, but stay away from alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, which cause your body to lose heat even faster.
 
Another thing to keep in mind during the big game? The crowds. When many people gather in the same place at once, it’s important to think of your safety. Here are some tips, courtesy of our Get Ready fact sheet on mass events:

• Gather information about the event in advance, including what you are allowed to bring to the venue, and approximately how long it will last.
• Collect your supplies, including hand sanitizer, a map of the event location and surrounding area and enough money to purchase warm beverages for the cold weather.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and take note of all of the exits and the closest first-aid station.

It’s also good to be prepared for the unexpected. The blackout during last year’s Super Bowl taught us to be prepared for more than just crowds and weather. Power outages are common in winter, so it’s always good to have a plan for when the lights unexpectedly go out.
 
Whether or not you plan to brave the cold for the big game, being prepared will ensure that you have a fun and safe Super Bowl Sunday!