How to Prepare for an Emergency: What You Need to Get
The coronavirus can spread, but there is no need to randomly hoard supplies. Here are some basic necessities to have at home in an emergency.
UNITED STATES TODAY
As the coronavirus epidemic continues, many Americans are preparing to quarantine themselves.
So far, the only people officially quarantined are those with confirmed cases of coronavirus and those who have come into contact with carriers. This includes passengers on a Diamond Princess cruise ship and some residents of a Washington State nursing home where four residents died.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention required that certain U.S. citizens returning from China be quarantined for 14 days. But local communities may have reason to respond to “serious” disruptions as the situation evolves, as the CDC said last week.
This has led many Americans to start preparing for an extended stay at home, whether encouraged by local authorities or as a personal decision. Experts warn against buying panic and hoarding products such as toilet paper, water and cleaning products.
But there is nothing wrong with preparing for several days at home if necessary. “Some of the same things that we ask people to do – wash your hands, make sure you sneeze the right way, disinfect things, buy extra disinfectant, buy toiletries, buy laundry detergent, extra things, so if you had to set yourself up now – these are things you can use later, “said American Red Cross spokesperson Anthony Tornetta. “It is not necessarily a bad thing.”
Jacqueline Anne Aston of Lake View, New York, was one of many people across the country who told the United States TODAY that they would get food and supplies if the coronavirus situation worsened and that ‘they were asked to stay at home (or preferred on their own).
“This worries me a lot. I think we could be quarantined. Or things will not be available,” said Aston. She found stores selling face masks, soap and bacterial disinfectants, disinfectant wipes and staples such as chicken noodle soup, canned tuna, milk powder and large packages of crackers with Peanut Butter.
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Your coronavirus preparation kit
Health and emergency officials have long recommended that homes have an emergency preparedness kit to spend at least several days at home without electricity.
If there is a quarantine issued by local authorities – or if you impose one on yourself and your family – it is unlikely to exceed 14 days, which is the intended incubation period.
Here is a checklist for some suggested items:
•Food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are likely to spoil for 14 days, so canned foods that have a long shelf life and require little or no cooking are recommended. Meat products, fish or beans, soups, broths and stews, fruit and fruit juices, vegetables, canned (or powdered) milk are good choices. supply recommended by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Disaster Education Network.
Frozen food is also an option. Other recommended foods are peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, trail mix, dried fruit, granola bars, broth cubes and staple foods like sugar, salt, pepper . (Keep in mind that you may need to include certain special foods for babies and family members in special diets, as well as pet foods.)
•Water and liquids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that you have plenty of fluids on hand, such as bottled water and fluids containing electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade.
•Drug. You will want to have a 14 day supply of all prescription drugs for those in your home. You may also want over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, cough and cold medicines, and vitamins.
•Provisions. Many homes already have a 14-day supply for most daily items. But make sure you have toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine supplies, diapers, laundry detergent and disinfectant.
•Other elements. Maybe have board games, cards, toy books, magazines and other fun items to keep the family occupied.
In the days to come, people should listen to “the CDC and pay attention to their local governments and know where they can go to get the latest information” on the epidemic, said Tornetta.
“If you’re away and you’re at Target or Walmart or a grocery store and you can pick up a few things, by all means (do) … and use them to start building a prep kit to the safety that you can be used in whatever disaster, whether you have to take shelter on the spot or flee your home, “he said. “Now is the time to prepare.”
Next step: create an emergency kit
The American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the CDC all recommend that you have a home emergency preparedness kit for disasters such as hurricanes, fires, and floods. If you don’t have one, it might be a good time to start compiling this.
Suggestions for a complete emergency preparedness kit, some of which should be stored in a backpack or container that you could grab if you were to leave your home:
•Food. Respect canned cooked foods. However, frozen foods can supplement your supply, if you have a gas stove or other cooking plan (propane or charcoal barbecue). If you lose energy at home in an emergency, a full freezer can keep food frozen for two days, while a half full can keep it frozen for about a day.
•Drug. When you have time to plan, the American Red Cross recommends that you have at least 30 days of prescription medication for those who live in your home. Over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, cough and cold medicines, and vitamins are also worth consuming.
FEMA also offers razors and shaving cream, additional glasses and contact lenses (as well as solutions for contact lenses) and heavy duty garbage bags (for personal hygiene).
•First aid kit. Gauze bandages, antibacterial ointment, antiseptic wipes and latex-free gloves are among the items recommended by FEMA and the American Red Cross.
•Lights and power sources. Have flashlights and extra batteries (for lamps and other products, including hearing aids), suggests the CDC. If possible, have a generator. Other useful items include car chargers and adapters, jump leads, a battery or hand crank radio, and a surge protection strip.
•Medical and personal identification records. The CDC also recommends that you collect important medical and insurance records and other items such as testamentary documents. You can also prepare an emergency plan containing contact information and important personal information. Copies of important files kept in a resealable bag and in your backpack could be invaluable if you were to evacuate due to a flood or fire.
•Other elements. Don’t forget a can opener, scissors and maybe a versatile tool. You may also find matches, blankets, and rain gear. Set aside real money for emergencies.
You can compare your emergency kit with the American Red Cross survival kit. and also get the agency plan to create your own disaster response plan.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider.