Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Ashley Hayes ReportingToday the federal government announced it will give pharmaceutical companies a billion dollars to make vaccines to fight the bird flu, but otherwise, the federal government has said you're on your own. People across the county are taking the bird flu threat seriously, and a Utah company says it can help.
Freeze dried food, not the most appetizing of meals, but at Nitro-Pak in Heber City, people fearing an avian flu pandemic can't get enough of it.
Harry Weyandt, Nitro-Pak Preparedness Center: "Sales all over have increased over 600-percent since March."
Weyandt says news of the bird flu is spurring sales. In fact, so much so that he can't keep the food on his shelves.
It's odd to think about the threat of a pandemic being good for some businesses, but the avian flu survival package complete with food, water, hand sanitizer, and special recommended face masks is a best seller.
Harry Weyandt: "It's breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything you need to eat well in an emergency."
That package costs almost 1700 dollars and is supposed to last two people six weeks. But the state health department points out- its nothing you can't find at the store.
It's recommended you stock up on bottled water, canned food, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer and soap. And don't forget prescriptions. Waiting in line at the store will be shorter than waiting for your order to be filled.
The Health Department says the easiest way to prepare is to buy one or two extra items each time you go to the store. That way, you don't have to go out and spend a lot of money at once.
