Pandemic kits on Amazon have all sold out. Face masks are difficult to come by. Even Tyvek suits are going quickly and emergency food supplies are dwindling.  The American public appears to be preparing, but do we have everything we need?

As survival-minded people, we know we can’t depend on any government or organization to take care of us. Our self-reliant mindset leads us to conclude that we need to prepare now for the possibility of a global coronavirus pandemic, and most of us already have.  However, some are just beginning their journey to preparedness, and the coronavirus is a good reason to start.

Recently, we wrote an article detailing ways to set up a quarantine in your own home with a list of gear and supplies that you may want to have on hand, just in case. Because the majority of the items have sold out, we’ve included other options that are still available for purchase. Remember, don’t be turned off by the term “panic buying.” If you need it, get it. If you MIGHT need it, get it. It’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME (QUARANTINE) FOR A PANDEMIC

First, you need items to prevent contraction of the virus and its transmission should you or a family member get it. Face masks have been shown to be about 80% effective at prevention, and even a surgical mask can prevent you from transmitting the virus to someone else.  Even the surgeon general suggested the public stop buying masks so plenty would be available for the elitists.  And that’s why they come in at number one on our list:

1. Body Suits and N95 Masks – make sure the mask fits snugly to your face for the best chance of prevention.
2. Thick Plastic Sheeting (common at home improvement stores) and Duct tape or painters’ tape – to partition off a quarantine room if someone gets sick.
3. Simple and easy to clean cot
4. Strong High Mil Trash Bags 
5. Hydration and Electrolyte Options (sports drinks or others)
6. Immune Booster (echinacea tea, for example) or vitamin C and/or zinc supplements. 
7. High-quality disinfectant soap, bleach, and scrubbing tools
8.  Disposable latex gloves
9. 5-gallon bucket(s) – can act as a backup toilet (multiple would be preferred)
10. Water – in this case, at least 2 gallons of water per person for up to 7 days if possible. More is better. Also, consider a filter (like a life straw, one for each family member) because you never know just how dire things could get. You won’t want to get sicker by drinking contaminated water.
11. Food – hopefully you have enough emergency food for a month because these are definitely in short supply right now.  One month should be long enough to ride out this virus.
12. Over the Counter Medicines – these will help alleviate the symptoms of coronavirus if you happen to get it.  They won’t cure you but could make life a lot more comfortable as your body fights it off.
13. First aid kit  – you should have one of these in all your vehicles and home anyway.

Hopefully, this list will help you fill in the gaps or at least come up with other items you could use to beef up your home quarantine kit. Prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. If you never need to use any of these items, you will have them the next time a possible pandemic strikes.

Prepping is very personal. If there’s something on this list you don’t think is necessary, don’t get it.  If there’s something not on this that you think will be valuable to you, get it. There’s no one perfect list for everyone or a “one size fits all” preparedness plan. Suggestions for additional supplies or ideas to enhance others’ preparedness are always welcome and could be invaluable to our beginner readers.