Key Takeaway:
- Face masks are essential for protecting yourself and others from airborne viruses and should be worn in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
- Gloves offer an extra layer of protection when handling potentially contaminated objects or for individuals with skin conditions that make hand washing difficult, but should not be worn instead of washing your hands regularly.
- Hand sanitizer is a convenient option for hand hygiene when soap and water are not readily available and should contain at least 60% alcohol content.
- Disinfectant wipes/spray are useful for sanitizing frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, and keyboards.
- A thermometer can help monitor for fever, a common symptom of many illnesses, including pandemics.
- Medications, including over-the-counter remedies for fever, cough, and cold, should be stocked up on to alleviate symptoms in case of illness.
- A first aid kit should include basic supplies like bandaids, gauze, and antiseptic for minor injuries that can still occur during a pandemic, but may not warrant a hospital visit.
- Non-perishable food and water should be stored in case of a quarantine or prolonged stay at home, and should account for any dietary restrictions or allergies of household members.
- A portable charger can ensure that communication and access to important information, like news updates and emergency alerts, can be maintained even during power outages.
You don't need to be an experienced survivalist to protect yourself during a pandemic. Having the right supplies can help you and your family stay safe and healthy. In this article, we discuss the essential items to have on-hand during a pandemic.
Essential items for pandemics
Be ready for pandemics, like COVID-19. Get essential items to remain safe. Such gear includes: face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes/spray, a thermometer, medicaments, a first aid kit, non-perishable food and water, and a portable charger. Protect yourself and be prepared!
Image credits: emergencypreparedness.page by Adam Duncun
Face masks
Protective Facial Gear
Facial masks are essential for pandemic and epidemic emergencies. Here, we will discuss the importance of protective facial gear and how it can help prevent the spread of viruses.
- Facemasks create a barrier between you and other people.
- They protect against contaminated air and droplets that may contain the virus.
- Masks come in different shapes and sizes, including cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 respirator masks.
- To be effective, facemasks should be properly worn with no gaps between the mask and your face.
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing a mask when around people outside of your household or if in areas with high transmission rates.
It is crucial to consider unique needs when preparing an emergency kit or disaster supplies kit. This includes having enough supplies for pets, seniors or those with specific medical conditions.
During outbreaks, authorities may impose restrictions on travel or access to healthcare facilities. Therefore, it's crucial to have survival gear in designated locations at home or work that you can access easily on short notice.
For instance, during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, there was a shortage of critical equipment such as facemasks that led to mutations of the virus. To maintain immunity from viruses such as these, preparation with adequate supplies is critical.
Washing your hands 50 times a day is exhausting, but at least gloves make it look like you're on your way to rob a bank.
Gloves
Protective Hand Gear:
Shielding the hands is just as essential as covering one's mouth and nose with a face mask during a pandemic. Using gloves can help prevent harmful microorganisms from spreading. Coronavirus can be transmitted by touch, so wearing gloves can act as a barrier between the virus and your skin.
Latex or nitrile gloves are the best options for protecting oneself during a pandemic. Gloves should not only protect your palms but also cover up to your wrist. Avoid using disposable gloves more than once, and discard them immediately after use.
Furthermore, it is advisable to sanitize or wash one's hands thoroughly before wearing gloves and even more after removing them. Proper sanitation of surfaces must also be done, giving priority to areas that are touched frequently like door knobs, light switches, etc.
Pro Tip: Keep a stock of gloves in your survival kit for emergencies or unexpected situations that require them.
Hand sanitizer: because sometimes washing your hands just isn't enough to cleanse the filth of humanity off your skin.
Hand sanitizer
Hand Cleaning Solution:
Keeping hands clean is the most effective way to protect oneself from diseases and illnesses, especially during pandemics. When regular hand washing using soap and water is not possible, one can resort to using a hand cleaning solution.
- Alcohol-based sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol are highly effective in killing germs and viruses.
- Hand sanitizers come in various forms such as gel, spray, or foam which can be easily applied.
- It evaporates quickly without leaving any residue on the skin.
- They are available in different sizes that make them convenient for carrying it on-the-go.
- Sanitizing hands before touching common surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and shopping carts is recommended.
Sanitizers containing ethanol or isopropyl alcohol have been used as antimicrobial agents since the mid-19th century. However, due to its potential risks of causing alcohol poisoning and skin irritation, experts recommend choosing approved sanitizers with lower toxicity levels during pandemics.
If you don't have disinfectant wipes or spray, you might as well greet the virus at the door with a handshake.
Disinfectant wipes/spray
Utilize Disinfecting Supplies
One of the most important things to have on your pandemic checklist is disinfectant wipes or spray. These supplies help to kill germs and viruses, which can lower your risk of infection.
Here are six points to consider when it comes to disinfectant wipes/spray:
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces every day — think doorknobs, light switches, counters, and phones.
- Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them.
- Wear gloves when using disinfectant products.
- Do not mix cleaning chemicals as this could result in harmful reactions.
- Frequently clean and replace reusable cleaning tools (i.e., sponges).
- Make sure you follow instructions carefully when using these products.
It's important that you disinfect frequently, comprehensively cover all high-touch areas to keep everyone safe from infection. Another consideration is purchasing a battery-powered air-purifying humidifier. Disinfection doesn't have to be limited only to the surface; adding moisture with a humidifier kills bacteria by drying out their membranes.
For a thorough pandemic preparedness kit, keep supplies for sheltering in place as well as grabbing quickly on the go…
Checking your temperature is now more important than ever, unless you're a vampire – in that case, just check for the absence of a reflection.
Thermometer
Monitoring one's body temperature is critical during pandemics to detect a fever or other flu-like symptoms. Having an electronic probed semiconductor sensor that measures temperatures with accuracy is a basic necessity for survival.
A thermometer can help in identifying early symptoms of illness, which is crucial as it allows individuals to prevent the spread of the virus. A person can use this device orally, rectally or underarm to assess their temperature with ease.
If you have a thermometer, ensure its availability by storing it in an easy-to-carry container along with other essential items of your kit storage locations for at least 24 hours. It is important to keep it separate from other personal sanitation stuff such as tissues and disinfecting wipes.
During prior pandemics, there were shortages of thermometers, forcing people to rely on nonstandard measurements such as hand feel or observation alone which turned out ineffective in severe cases. If toilet paper is the hottest commodity, then I guess medication is the second-hottest, because let's face it, surviving a pandemic without meds would be a real pill to swallow.
Medications
Necessary Medical Supplies for Survival During Pandemics
When disasters and pandemics strike, it's essential to have access to necessary medical supplies. These include over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and vitamins.
Make sure to have an adequate supply of medications that you or your family members are dependent on. Prepare for potential closures or limited transportation by having at least a 30-day supply of prescription drugs on hand at all times.
Unique details that can make a difference in survival during pandemics include stocking enough shelf-stable goods and protein sources such as canned soups and fruits. Don't forget about the mental health aspect of emergency preparedness; remember to pack puzzles, games, books, and other items that can maintain sanity.
Protect your health by storing these items in waterproof containers or storage bags in addition to easy-to-carry containers like a backpack.
Don't get caught off guard during natural disasters or pandemics – prepare now by creating grab-and-go emergency supplies and shelter-in-place rules with designated areas for survival. Hope for the best but plan for the worst!
If you thought a band-aid could fix everything, wait till you see what's in our pandemic first aid kit.
First aid kit
The medical bag, contains necessary items to provide basic first-aid needs for a pandemic situation.
- Include OTC medicines such as painkillers and fever reducers.
- Add supplies for wound care such as bandages, antiseptic solution, and gauze.
- Add extra prescription medicine if possible along with copies of prescriptions for safety measures.
- Hand sanitizers and/or alcohol to clean all surfaces in your environment.
In addition to the above mentioned essential items, it's suggested that first aid kits be stored in portable containers or airtight plastic bags. A designated place should also be kept in case a “grab and go” situation arises.
Pro Tip: Consider taking an online first-aid or emergency response course to learn how to better use the contents of your kit.
If the pandemic doesn't kill me, this non-perishable food certainly will.
Non-perishable food and water
Stockpile Non-spoilable Food and Water
Non-perishable food items and clean water are essential for surviving pandemics. It is crucial to have these items in your preparedness kit to prevent you from leaving the house if it's not necessary.
Here are three points related to Non-perishable food and water that you should keep note of:
- Store enough non-perishable food for each family member for at least three days.
- Keep at least one gallon of water per person per day on hand during an emergency.
- Remember to regularly check the expiration dates on canned goods, dried fruits, and other non-perishables.
It is important to create a comprehensive survival kit that includes other basic items such as batteries, radio, dust masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape, sturdy shoes in case of evacuation or sheltering in place.
History indicates that during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 people struggled with lack of food supplies leading up to emergency responders arriving. People either needed help from fellow evacuees or stood in long lines without having any security guarantees like provisions at grocery stores.
When the world comes to an end, at least your phone will be fully charged.
Portable charger
A ‘Portable power bank‘ is an essential item for pandemics.
- A Portable power bank helps ensure that your electronic devices, such as cell phones or communication radios, remain powered and functioning during extended periods of sheltering in place.
- It also enables you to have access to resources such as local maps and utilities in case of a prolonged outage.
- This device allows individuals to maintain communication with family members, friends, and emergency services without interruption.
- Additionally, it can be used as a backup battery for important medical equipment and prescription eyeglasses or contact lens solution.
For additional suggestions, it may be useful to invest in noaa weather radio or flashlight with extra batteries. Both will provide sustained sources of light and information during emergencies.
Five Facts About Survival Items for Pandemics:
- ✅ Face masks are essential to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. (Source: CDC)
- ✅ Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is recommended for effective hand hygiene to prevent the spread of germs. (Source: FDA)
- ✅ Non-perishable foods like canned goods and dried fruits are good options for survival as they have a long shelf life. (Source: Ready.gov)
- ✅ Emergency medical kits should include essential items like first-aid supplies, medications, and personal protective equipment. (Source: Red Cross)
- ✅ Consider having a backup power source like a generator or solar panels in case of power outages during a pandemic. (Source: CDC)
FAQs about Survival Items For Pandemics
What are some essential survival items for a pandemic?
Some essential survival items for a pandemic include a whistle for signaling, a shelter in place kit, phone chargers, infant formula, bottles, diapers, diaper rash cream, pet food, cash and travelers checks, family documents, insurance policies, identification, bank account records, a sleeping bag, warm blanket, climate-appropriate clothing, a fire extinguisher, matches, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, plastic utensils, and a pencil for writing.
Why is it important to have a whistle during a pandemic?
A whistle is important during a pandemic because it can help you signal for help or alert others if you are in danger or need assistance. This is especially helpful if you are in a situation where you need help but are unable to shout or make noise.
What should be included in a shelter in place kit?
A shelter in place kit should include items such as food, water, first aid supplies, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting, towels and moist towelettes for sanitation, and a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. It's also a good idea to have a battery-powered or hand-crank charger for your phone.
What supplies should I pack for my infant during a pandemic?
When packing supplies for an infant during a pandemic, it's important to include items such as infant formula, bottles, diapers, diaper rash cream, and any necessary medications. It's also a good idea to have some extra supplies on hand in case of an emergency.
Should I bring pet food with me during a pandemic?
Yes, it's important to include pet food in your pandemic survival kit if you have a pet. Make sure to pack enough food for at least a week, along with any necessary medications or supplies for your pet.
What documents should I include in my pandemic survival kit?
It's important to include family documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and social security cards, as well as insurance policies and bank account records. You should also have identification for each member of your family, such as driver's licenses or passports. Lastly, consider packing any important family photos or sentimental items that you don't want to lose.