A pandemic is a virus or disease that affects a large number of people in multiple areas or countries, not to get confused with an epidemic, which is a disease or condition that affects people in a certain area. Pandemics can occur in a matter of hours and the threat of a pandemic in today’s world is very much real, are you prepared if SHTF?
You can’t control when a pandemic outbreaks but you can take precautionary measures. Here are some ways to prepare yourself for a pandemic outbreak:
What Can You Do Ahead Of Time?
- Increase your water supply.
Viruses can find their way into the water filtration system because they are so small, which is why most cities chlorinate their water. The day might come during a pandemic where cities can no longer pump chlorinated water to your home. You can survive up to 3 days without water, but hydration is key for survival during a pandemic. You should stock up on enough water to last you 3-4 months, which for a family should be about 27 gallons. - Stock up on everyday shelf-stable foods.
Besides stocking up on distilled water, you should also stock up on canned liquids. Pineapple juice and vegetable juice are good for providing nutrition and hydration. Canned liquids such as coconut milk and chicken stock can cook your food faster without depleting your water supply. Canned meats, protein bars, and protein shakes have long shelf lives as well, and they’re easy to buy in bulk. - Stock up on pandemic supplies.
Preventing airborne contagions from getting in your home, you need to stock up on the adequate supplies such as: - Pandemic masks
- Goggles
- Duct tape
- Gloves
- Tyvec suit
- Anitseptics
- Soaps, sanitizers, and disinfectants
- Thermometers
- Medicine
- Electrolytes
- Probiotic supplements
- Bio-hazard bags
- Vomit bags
- Laundry detergent
- Portable radio
- Stock up on prescriptions.
Check your regular prescription drugs to make sure you have a continuous supply. Also make sure you have any nonprescription drugs or other health supplies on hand, such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, and cough or cold medicines. For personal reference, make electronic copies of any health records from doctors or pharmacies. - Brush up on your survival skills.
Everyone should have basic survival skills such as first aid knowledge, self-protection, and how to build things like a fire, shelter and basic hygiene. Brushing up on these skills won’t hurt.
What Can You Do During A Pandemic?
- Avoid any close contact with other people and especially keep your distance with people that have become sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, it might prevent those around you from becoming sick.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice good health habits like getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, and drinking plenty of fluids.
If you are curious about the history of pandemics, check out the five deadliest pandemics in history. If you haven’t already, sign up for text message alerts from Civil Dispatch and receive alerts about severe weather or threats in your area.