When news broke today that the US is facing a pandemic thanks to the Cronovirus, people began to panic. For some reason, they thought we were far enough away from China that we were safe here in the United States.
Experts said those people were wrong and that it is “likely” that we will face a pandemic here in the United States. So now we all need to think about having a pandemic kit. So what is it? Well, it’s a collection of items to help you and your family be safe during the tough times.
Some call it a pandemic preparedness kit. Some just call it being ready “just in case”. Either way it’s something you need to give serious consideration to. Especially right now.
The first thing you should consider are face masks. You are looking for what is known as a “Particulate Respirator Mask”.
Don’t overpay. Consider only known brands and because of panic, some people are raising their prices so before you buy online, consider local sources first. Go to your local department store. If you can’t find what you need locally then consider from online sources.
Next, think about the everyday basics. These include things like …
- Bottled Water
- Canned foods
- Fluids with electrolytes
- Water purification tabs
- Paper Towels
- Toilet paper
- Laundry Soap
- Dawn dish soap
- Soap (anti-bacterial soap is best)
- Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
- Rubber gloves
- Garbage bags
- Bleach
- Duct Tape
- Borax
- WD-40
- Clothesline and clothespins
- Portable radio
- Flashlight
- Batteries (all sizes)
- Manuel can opener
Now let’s talk about your health. Yet I say get a First-aid kit, but you’ll also want to get a few other things.
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Asprin
- Aleve / Advil
- Bandaids (all sizes)
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Q-Tips
- Cotton Balls
- Thermometer
If you have a baby stock up on cloth diapers, diaper rash medicine, as well as canned baby formula and baby formula.
Do you have pets? Then don’t forget things like …
- Pet Food
- Flea and Tick Medicine
- Heart Worm Pills
- Kitty Litter (if you have a cat)
I would also suggest a solar power charger and some books to read to alleviate boredom and some board games to play with your family. Can you imagine how much easier your life with be if there is no power, but you are still able to charge your phone?
Don’t be caught off guard. Don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare now. Remember the Prepper Strong motto – Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
In addition to needing a pandemic kit, you’ll want to prepare in other ways. The government gives these great tips to prepare for a pandemic.
- Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
- Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough, and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
- Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other sources and store them, for personal reference.
- Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
Things bring so you’ll want to make sure you have a basic tool kit that includes a tape measure, wrench, pliers, screwdrivers – both a flat head and a Phillips’s head, hammer, a level, wire cutters, an assortment of nails, and screws, pencils, painter’s tape, duct tape, and a utility blade.
You never know when the next global pandemic will hit. That’s the whole point of prepping – you want to prepare “JUST IN CASE”. We all hope it never happens, but what if it does? Are you ready?
Having an emergency supply kit or a “pandemic kit“, is an essential component of personal and family preparedness. Your emergency kit should include essentials items that will help sustain you and your family for up to three days in the event you are isolated in your home without power during a disaster.