Are you looking for a list of emergency preparedness supplies for survival if you are placed on mandatory quarantine as a result of the new coronavirus outbreak? Maybe you’ve decided to be proactive and stock your freezer and pantry so you can begin the process of social distancing during this pandemic.
COVID-19 is not showing signs of slowing down any time soon. As such, it is imperative that we all get our homes in order now while we are still able.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that those who have traveled out of the country or came into contact with those who have been exposed to the virus self-quarantine for 14 days.
In addition, people with COVID-19 symptoms — including a cough, fever and shortness of breath — should self-isolate for 14 days.
People who feel well are currently asked to stay home only if they meet specific criteria of being in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient.
The following family survival kit can help alleviate some of the stress and worry associated with quarantine due to the new coronavirus.
Take an Inventory
One thing many of us fail to realize is that we likely already have on-hand a variety of items in our pantry that will create several meals. It’s a matter of thinking outside of the box.
Often we’ll find an extra box of pasta we didn’t know we had or several cans of black beans at the back of the pantry.
If you decide to self-quarantine or your area of the country has been put on quarantine, you’ll need to take stock of what you already have at home before placing that online order or making that quick stop at the store.
Having an emergency preparedness kit is crucial in ensuring your family has everything it needs during a time of crisis.
How to create a family survial kit
Create a Meal Plan
Now is the time to think outside the box when it comes to meal-planning. In the past, you may have typically used boxed spaghetti for a quick meal of spaghetti and meatballs before heading out to a school sports event.
When you’re trying to stretch your meals, stock up on several boxes of different types of pasta. This way you can create a wide variety of inexpensive and easy meals made with shelf-stable ingredients.
One-pot pasta dishes have gained popularity in recent years because they are both versatile and inexpensive.
Create one-pot pasta dishes with a Thai spin when you incorporate seasonings like red Thai curry, wish spinach and chickpeas. Make a Mediterranean dish by adding jarred pesto sauce, crushed tomatoes, spinach, kalamata olives to your one-pot pasta and top with shredded cheese or feta to serve.
Thinking outside the box when it comes to meal planning is your best bet in the event of a quarantine.
Stock up on Staples
Once you’ve taken stock of everything in your pantry and freezer and determined what meals you can create, start making a list of shelf-stable items that you know your family will eat.
In normal circumstances during disaster preparedness, families are encouraged to purchase items that do not need to be cooked. A quarantine related to the coronavirus outbreak situation is different.
As it stands, we still have access to clean water from our faucets and filters and we still have electricity. Being able to cook is not an issue so there’s no need, at this point to purchase items that can be eaten straight from the can or packaging.
Though it is wise to have a few of these items on-hand as well, just in case.
Consider stocking up on items like oatmeal. Include a wide variety of oatmeal though to give you options. Quick cook oats are the easiest and consider purchasing some steel-cut oats.
These can be prepared as overnight oats with bananas, cinnamon and protein powder or they can be prepared with savory ingredients to eat as a warm bowl.
Grits are also versatile and can work for breakfast with eggs and bacon or for dinner with shrimp and sausage.
Stock Your Pantry With These Shelf-Stable Items
These non-perishable pantry items should be part of your quarantine shopping list. They keep for a long time and are versatile enough to be used in a variety of recipes and are essential for your family survival kit.
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Oats
- Canned Beans
- Rice
- Cereal
- Canned Vegetables
- Broth
- Spices
- Beef and Turkey Jerky
- Tuna
- Cake and Muffin Mixes
- Canned Chicken (great for chicken pot pie)
- Canned and Boxed Soup
- Peanut butter
- Ramen Noodles
Load up On These Fruits and Vegetables
The following fruits and vegetables will stay fresh a bit longer than most and are great options when looking to stock up your refrigerator or pantry.
- Potatoes
- Apples
- Onions
- Garlic
- Strawberries (can freeze)
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Pineapples
- Squash
- Carrots
Buy Online for your family survival kit
Many consumers are turning to online resources when it comes to stocking up during this difficult time. Websites like Boxed.com provide a wide variety of products from groceries and snacks to household items and paper products, in bulk, delivered right to your door.
This feature isn’t just for pantry items. Consumers are also stocking their freezers with organic chicken from Perdue right from the comfort of their home.
Hit the Freezer Aisles
When you can’t get fresh fruits and vegetables or the products you enjoy spoils quickly, load up on items from the frozen food aisle.
Beyond Food: Things You Need During a Coronavirus Quarantine
Aside from ensuring that your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer are stocked, there are several sanity-saving things you’ll likely need in the event of a quarantine.
While spending time binging your favorite shows on Hulu and Netflix is an option, be sure to keep some non-technology items available.
This is the perfect time to incorporate a Family Game Night. Include some family favorites like Catan and Dragonwood. Playing cards also work well for all ages, so load up on those.
While you’re on Amazon, consider buying a few card trick tutorial books to keep young hands busy while you are working or creating a vacation right at home for your kids.
Don’t forget about your pets. Stock up on cat and dog food, pet treats and cat litter if needed. It’s one thing that often goes forgotten until it’s too late. Keep your pets happy.
One great option for cat owners is the Kitty Poo Club. The company delivers a cat litter box and cat litter right to your door, the litter is designed to last a full-month and keeps odors at bay.
Stock up on Water, Juice and Adult Beverages
If you are like me and must have your daily caffeine fix make sure you stock up on coffee and Tea as a precaution because now is the time to practice social distancing and you do not need to hang out at starbucks for hours on end.
While cocktails may not be important to your family they are extremely important to me so please make sure you add alcoholic beverages to your quarantine list including vodka, red and white wine and beer!
You probably have access to clean drinking water through so stockpiling more than two or three weeks of bottled water is not necessary for your list of emergency preparedness supplies.
You need soap not just hand sanitizer people
I know y’all are hoarding hand sanitizer but please buy soap. Y’all need to wash your behinds and use antibacterial soap. This is key, since you can kill the coronavirus with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds.
If are quarantined in your own home and are not sharing public spaces with other people please do not hoard sanitizer. Plus washing your hands is a better option that using hand sanitizer.
Other cleaning and hygiene supplies
Also make sure you do not forget dish soap, laundry detergent and, of course, toilet paper. You need enough laundry detergent so you’re not wearing the same dirty clothes for weeks on end.
Finally, stock up on toiletries like feminine hygiene products, soap and flushable wipes are also a great alternative.
Stock up on medication
Make sure you stock up on any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you use regularly. Check with your primary care phyisican and ask to get your medications prescribed for 60 days instead of 30 days.
Remember to purchase birth control products if applicable so there will not be any babies popping up in 9 months.
Do you need baby supplies?
Babies seem to be less vulnerable to COVID-19 than elderly people but if they’re home with you, you still need to make sure you have enough formula, baby food and diapers.
Don’t Go Stir Crazy
Stay Social: Make sure you stay connected with friends and family whether it’s via facebook, Instagram or facetiming via your cell phone. Maintaining connections are crucial when you are isolated from everyone.
Stay Active: We just purchased a peloton so try walking a few miles on a treadmill or just do some jumping jacks daily to get in a little workout.
Create a Daily Routine: Don’t start laying around sleeping all day. Make sure you get up every day and make breakfast, take a shower and get dressed.
Try to maintain a sense of normalcy so you will not go stir crazy.
Social Distancing and what it means
Social distancing includes things like temporarily reducing the amount of time you socialize in public including places like sports events, public transportation, grocery store, malls and shopping centers.
Social distancing isn’t a new idea but the coronavirus has brought this to the forefront.
Everyone has a part to play in social distancing and you should think about how often you come into contact with other people.
I use Hello Fresh to get groceries delivered on a weekly basis so Hello Fresh is an excellent option for online delivery options if needed.
Pro Tips for self-quaratining and emergency preparedness supplies
- While everybody else is hoarding toilet tissue stock up on your favorite wine and alcohol so you can make my favorite sangria recipe while you are quarantines.
- Plan out your entertainment.
- Remember to stay healthy and practice good hygiene. (wash your ass)
Conclusion of family survival kit & emergency preparedness supplies
Preparing for quarantine or self-quarantine due to the coronavirus or any emergency does not have to be stressful as long you have the right tools and you are prepared.
You’ll be better equipped to stay healthy during this uncertain time. Information is power so make sure you are getting your information from the CDC and not facebook so you will not freak out and become paranoid.
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Did my emergency preaparedness supplies and quarantine tips help you figure out what you need? You will need a family survival kit to make sure you are prepared and just know this too shall pass. I would love to hear your thoughts so leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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