During worrisome times like right now, it’s very easy to go over the deep end and start panicking. Just stop and breath!! I know how you feel. I myself have felt anxious wondering if what we have done so far to prepare will be enough. We have stored food and some medical supplies that should last for a few months for our family of 4. We did this years ago, vacuum sealing dried goods that we knew would keep. We also have stored some medical supplies such as band aides, peroxide, iodine, gauze and splint kits.
Even though we have tried to be ready, there are still some things that we should stock up on that we didn’t think about earlier. Of course our list may suit you, but you should see what things are important to you and act accordingly. So here’s our list of what we think are a necessity.
- Canned goods: Canned meats, seafood (salmon, tuna), and soups are great for times like these. Also energy bars, granola and fruit bars are also great, but they do have a shelf life so be careful. Most power bars should be fine past their expiration date if their packaging is still intact. I have purchased some of these, but will not use them until absolutely necessary. I am still going to the grocery store and am buying all of the fresh foods like salads, vegetables, fruit and fresh meats. Since we still have that option, I am loading up on these goods and cooking good nutritious foods while I can still get them. I am also freezing quite a bit which is a great option so I don’t have to go to the store so often.
- Vitamins/Supplements: If you eat well, you are most likely getting a lot of the vitamins and mineral that your body needs. But let’s be realistic, not everyone is eating healthy foods. During times where food may be scarce, stock up on some Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 and the Vitamin B family. (Please remember to ask your doctor before taking these! We are not medical professionals, so please use this information at your discretion.) Eating the right foods and having the vit/minerals will help your body stay healthy and if you do become sick, it will help you get better quickly. If you buy a few bottles at a time, consider putting the ones not being used in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.
- OTC Meds: If you do get sick, be sure to have expectorants, cough medicine, cough drops and fever fighting meds. EmergenC is also great to have on hand if you get sick. If you suffer from allergies, don’t forget your allergy meds. You definitely don’t want to confuse having a major illness with just having an allergy attack.
- Hydrate: Stock up on drinks or powdered drinks. Pick up some drinks with electrolytes. They are great to have especially if you are sick. Staying hydrated is key even if you are not sick. I know if I don’t drink enough water during the day, I get a headache and feel fatigued like I am coming down with something. Let’s not do that!
- Liquid Gold: If you can, store some gas. We have a power boat that is parked in our backyard (yeah, our neighbors love us) and it has a full gas tank. Fortunately we will be able to siphon gas from the boat if we ever have a need. You never know if you will need it, so why be caught with your pants down, am I right? If you have multiple cars, be sure to have them filled up and only use one if you need to go out. Get some 5 gal gas jugs and fill them up. With the storing of gas, you will need to treat it. We use Pri-G for gasoline and Pri-D for diesel. Also if you have multiple 5 gal jugs of gas, be sure to use one of the jugs every month and replace with new gas. Rotate and refill so you will always a fresh supply. Nowadays there is a storage cap for gas thanks to the ethanol.
Hope this helps some of you to start thinking of what you can do to be better prepared. Somethings can still be found, so pick some up that will help your family in the coming month or two. Don’t hoard! Think of your fellow man. We all need to work together in order for this work itself out. Being considerate and kind should not take a back burner during times like this. Don’t be a jerk!
If you guys can think of anything else, please comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear how you all are doing during these crazy times.
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