I wrote this page in February, as Covid19 really started causing problems across the globe. Over 7 months later, we are still facing shut downs and quarantines. I have been very lucky, in that I have been able to work from home. But, in addition to health concerns, we have had months of lawlessness and escalating violence. So, regardless of Covid…the question still applies…if the worst happens, are you prepared if you need to quarantine or otherwise isolate your family from society?
February 26, 2020
Federal officials warn that there will almost certainly be a widespread coronavirus outbreak in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control said to prepare to quarantine for at least a month.
“It’s not so much of a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more of a question of exactly when this will happen,” said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We are asking the American public to prepare for the expectation that this might be bad.”
OK, BUT WHAT? WHAT DO I DO? What can I do??
I know that was my first thought. So, take a deep breath. And think.
What if my family had the flu? What would I do?
So, start with thinking that you are stuck at home for at least a month with 2 or 3 family members who have the flu. And then maybe there is a winter storm on top of that! And you won’t be able to go out to the pharmacy or to shop for food.
So, where do I start?
First, make sure you have food, water, and medicine for multiple family members for at least a month. And perhaps much longer. And then add in other things. This list of essentials may help:
· If possible, stay at home.
· Make sure every family member has enough of any needed medications for at least 30 days. Contact lens and cleaners for those who need them.
· Baby formula.
· Hearing aid batteries. Batteries for nebulizers, blood pressure monitors, or other medical devices. Flashlight batteries.
· Thermometer. Get one that can read the forehead or ear to avoid transmitting infection by mouth.
· Face masks. N-95 or better if you can get them. Anything is better than nothing.
· Face shields, work or swim goggles, or even sunglasses to protect eyes from germs.
· Rubber or nitrile disposable gloves to protect those who are not sick, for handling dirty bedclothes, clothes, and waste. Cleaning gloves if that is all you can find.
· Stock up on vitamins (C and D vitamins are of major importance and are effective against viruses).
The Chinese are now using Vitamin C therapy against the coronavirus and it is effective. As little as 200 mg per day can help protect you, but much larger amounts may prevent or even help you survive.
· Stock up on foods, particularly easy to prepare foods, such as soups. Also, vitamin-rich foods and juices.
The CDC says to have enough food for a month. We recommend having much more, if possible. More essentials for your quarantine list are below:
· Liquids – juice, tea, herbal teas, ginger ale for nausea, water, even soft drinks. Gatorade, Powerade, Pedialyte, and other fluid replenishers. Especially important for small children.
· WATER. 1.5 gallons per day per person. Do NOT assume water supply will be reliable.
· Water filter. This will be important if water supply is contaminated or off.
· Have a 30-day (or more) supply of pain relievers, fever reducers, and cold and cough medicines, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Acetominophen, Alka Seltzer, Nyquil, etc.
Aspirin is not recommended, especially for children, for viral illnesses.
· Decongestants, expectorants that get rid of mucous, Sudafed, Mucinex, etc.
· Cough drops or hard candies. Honey to relieve coughs.
· Laxatives and antidiarrheals, anti-nausea medications such as PeptoBismol.
· Hand sanitizer, soap.
· Kleenex or other tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, cleansing wipes.
· Baby wipes, baby diapers. If you want diapers that are better for your baby and the environment, you can get soft bamboo diapers right here!
Adult diapers might be useful in case of heavy diarrhea.
. Women’s sanitary items.
· Shampoo, bath soap.
· Cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Laundry detergent, Clorox, Lysol, dish detergent, bathroom cleaner. Enough for a minimum of 30 days. Sanitizing sprays and wipes.
· Vinegar is a great disinfectant and is cheap. And, Apple Cider Vinegar can be taken internally to help prevent viruses.
· Large and small garbage bags to put all the germy mess in. And put it in a can with a tight-fitting lid.
· Flashlights, lanterns, camp stove in case power is out.
· Plastic sheeting and duct tape for taping off quarantined areas, getting rid of contaminated items, etc.
· Disposable aprons, coveralls, shoe covers, etc. would also be useful in containing germs.
Start with what you can afford today. Then perhaps add one item from each category. Keep buying this way as long as you can.
Eventually, you may want to add videos, books, coloring books and crayons, puzzles, etc. to keep everyone from going stir-crazy if you are quarantined. In addition, board or card games are good distractors. Saves your battery supplies as well!
And I have a last note, for now! Stock up on pet food and cat litter, if you need it. And pet medicines, too!
Do you have Charcoal for the grill in case power is out?
And what about Aluminum foil, ziplock bags, etc.? I am going to mention toilet paper again….because if you are really sick, you are going to need extra!
If you read this far, then I know you are someone who likes to be prepared. Here is a great site to get prepacked first aid kits. You can absolutely make your own, but if you don’t want to, or don’t want to go out to store hunting down the supplies right now, just order here!
Response Magic