Prepared For Quarantine?

With all of the news about the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), it has brought the question of preparedness to the forefront.  Are you prepared to be isolated for two weeks, and up to a month?  If you become infected, you and members of your immediate family may not even be able to make a trip to the store.  That is something you should think about.  While few of you that are reading this will be able to afford to purchase a month or more worth of foodstuffs, this is the time to at least begin to prepare for the possibility of being isolated and self-sufficient for at least two weeks.  Here are four steps to consider, and possibly to begin preparing your home for quarantine.  Or, at least to be prepared for the next disaster your family may face.

Step One:  Make space for 14 to 30 days of isolation.

This doesn't mean emptying out your garage, but simply getting creative with some normally empty spaces around your domicile.  Imagine the empty space at the bottom of your closets, or under your beds.  That will help to fit some of the food you will need without making yourself feel like a hoarder.

Now, this doesn't mean buying out the warehouse store of all it's hand sanitizer, toilet paper.  But it does mean that you should prepare a menu for a couple weeks' worth of meals.  Listing all the necessary ingredients to be used, and then doubling the list.  Just to be sure.  Since this quarantine shouldn't cause power outages, in this emergency you shouldn't have to worry about electricity for your oven, refrigerator, and freezer.

If you are like me, and your cooking skills aren't what they used to be, or you have trouble cooking for one, deal with it.  This should be seen as an opportunity to learn (or re-hone) skills to make you better prepared for the next time.  

Here is a checklist of some of the "must-have" foods to endure a quarantine:
Canned Foods: Canned fruits and vegetables, these won't spoil quickly.  Soups, broths, and stews can have a shelf-life measured in years.  
Proteins: Meat, tuna, beans & rice are great sources of protein that can last.
Dairy:  Canned or powdered milk has a much longer shelf-life than a bottle of milk.  
Water/other liquids: At least a gallon of water per day, per person (and don't forget your pets).  While your water supply is also not likely to be affected by this quarantine, it is still best to be prepared.
Any basics with a long shelf-life: PB & J, crackers, sugar & salt, granola bars, dried fruits, etc.
Frozen/freeze-dried, or dehydrated Foods: It is probably best to store pre-cooked meals that can be thrown in the microwave to cook.

Step Two: Medications & hygiene supplies

You should have on hand at least 30 days of medications.  This means over the counter meds as well as any prescriptions you may have.  Personal hygiene supplies will also be very important.  Especially after several days of isolation from others, or isolation in close contact with others in quarantine with you.

Step Three: Be prepared to keep yourself entertained

Unless you become infected or are ill, you can still enjoy life outside.  Just refrain from being around other people.  You can still enjoy your yard, your garage, etc.  Maybe play video games, have a deck of cards, or perhaps some movies on hand to watch.  Keep your spirits up.  As being isolated from people is hard and depressing on many people.  You will have to fight against that happening.

Step Four:  Keep your cool

Being isolated from friends and family, and for many being unable to go to work can be difficult.  Having the kids home from school can also bring added stress to the situation.  It is very important to try and remain as calm and clear-headed as possible.  We all realize that making good decisions requires a certain calmness and mental clarity.  Don't let the stress lead you to give in to hysteria and panic.  Especially in what could be one of the most important times of your life.

If things get too much, take a step back, walk away for a bit, have a cup of coffee, or whatever, and relax, meditate, say a prayer, etc.  This will be a very stressful time.  But if you are prepared, you will make it through this, and come out on the other side.  

I hope this helps, and we all can get through this without too much of an ordeal.  Here's to surviving this disaster, and being ready for what comes next.  See you on the other side.

Catch you on the road sometime...