5 Truths about a Pandemic Every Family Should Know
No one likes to think about the possibility of a pandemic, but with SARS, H1N1, and now the coronavirus, chances are that one could happen in our lifetime.
How can you protect yourself and your family?
Do you have any real options?
How can you prepare yourself in advance so you aren’t one of the panicked crowd?
Let’s look a little deeper into what you can do and how to protect those that you love.
Don’t Become Desperate and Panic
Even if you haven’t prepared for the day that the World Health Organization declares a full pandemic, chances are that you will be fine.
When people are desperate, they become panicked, and that is the worst thing you can do. This is why having a plan in advance will help you keep a cool head when others are losing theirs.
Keep Your Household Well-Stocked at All Times
Most people never consider what they would do if there were a pandemic. They buy what they need for a few days and figure they are covered. Keeping your household well-stocked means no emergency trips to the hardware store or grocery store, only to discover that people have been there before you and things are sold out.
Keep a pantry or a special room where you can keep:
- A two week supply of food and water for everyone in your house
- If possible, a 90 day supply of prescription medicines (rotate these so they do not expire)
- A first aid kit
- A two-week supply of pet food
- If you can store it safely, -gallon cans of gasoline and a propane stove for cooking
Prepare for Closures
If it is possible for you to work from home and it appears that a pandemic may be inevitable, bring home whatever files, records, or laptops, for example, that you will need to do your job.
Have some educational games or other activities ready to keep young children busy if schools should close.
If schools should close but not your place of business, having a backup plan with a neighbor can help avoid leaving your children at home unsupervised.
It’s the Little Things
Having a two week supply of canned goods won’t do you much good if the electricity goes out and you don’t have a manual can opener. You might want to consider buying a generator for a worst-case scenario. Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, soap, and sponges, are often not thought of until they are sold out. Always keeping these basic items on hand is a great idea.
About Those Facemasks
Unless someone in your family becomes sick, a facemask isn’t really going to protect you. If you truly desire some of the effective, medical-grade face masks, buy them before and keep them in stock well before a pandemic strikes. This will prevent shortages for medical teams and first-responders who really need them.
Fear of the unknown, such as a new virus, can lead to misleading and incorrect information. Always rely on trustworthy news sources and not the latest headline on social media. Emerging threats can feel overwhelming, but for the well-prepared, you will feel a bit more steady if you know that you have put together a plan well in advance.