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As the Wuhan Coronavirus continues to spread globally, individuals worldwide are growing increasingly alert and fearing the worst. Popular culture often amplifies these concerns, depicting dramatic, end-of-the-world scenarios caused by viral pandemics.
While the likelihood of mass fatalities remains low, and the idea of a zombie apocalypse is far-fetched, the seriousness of the situation shouldn’t be underestimated, as it could escalate unexpectedly.
Getting ready for a potential pandemic that could impact millions is entirely possible, and it doesn’t require extreme measures like building a bunker in your yard.
Survival hinges on preparation. The actions you take today might be the key to safeguarding your future. With that in mind, here are ten vital strategies to help you prepare for the coronavirus pandemic.
10. Build a Supply of Food and Water
An individual typically consumes between 1,500 and 3,000 calories daily. Without adequate food intake, the body's systems begin to deteriorate.
Starvation is a grueling process that can last up to 70 days, but dehydration is far more immediate, leading to death within just three to four days without water.
Ensure you store several months' worth of canned and dehydrated food for each person. Military rations are an excellent option, offering high caloric content and a shelf life of up to five years, so consider adding them to your stockpile.
Aim to store enough water to last at least two weeks, though four weeks is ideal. Plan for approximately half a gallon per person per day.
If your fresh water supply runs low, you can purify water from unreliable sources by boiling it or adding a small amount of iodine or bleach.
Another innovative solution is the LifeStraw, a device that allows you to safely drink from contaminated water sources by filtering impurities as you sip. I suggest acquiring multiple units and keeping them readily available.
9. Purchase Vital Tools
If the pandemic you’re facing is more severe than the Black Death, it’s likely that society will need time to recover once the crisis subsides. History has shown that illness spares no one, from leaders and rulers to everyday individuals like your local cashier.
In the event of a significant population decline, self-sufficiency becomes crucial, and having the right tools will be essential for survival.
Picture yourself searching for food, only to encounter locked and deserted homes. With a crowbar in hand, you’ll have no concerns. Breaking into an abandoned property during an apocalypse is perfectly justified when survival is at stake!
A basic toolkit is also essential. Make sure it includes a hammer, a set of screwdrivers, a wrench, and a multitool.
8. Arm Yourself with Weapons
Survival enthusiasts often emphasize the importance of stockpiling firearms and ammunition, not just for hunting. In a worst-case scenario where mass casualties occur, societal structures will disintegrate.
In such a scenario, life will resemble a post-apocalyptic film, and self-defense becomes paramount. If zombies or hostile survivors emerge, they’ll pose a deadly threat to you and your loved ones. A strong offense is your best defense, making weapons a necessity.
Shotguns excel at bird hunting and are equally effective in close-range combat. For larger game, a rifle with a reliable scope is essential. Handguns, being compact and user-friendly, offer excellent stopping power. Additionally, consider acquiring a guidebook on hunting and processing animals.
If firearms are inaccessible due to legal restrictions, a machete or crossbow can serve as effective tools for both hunting and self-defense. At a minimum, invest in a quality hunting knife and prepare for the unexpected.
7. Build a Supply of Disinfectants
Plague doctors once donned peculiar masks with herb-filled beaks, believing diseases were transmitted through foul odors. While this theory has been debunked, it highlights the importance of preparation when dealing with airborne or contact-based infections.
Common household products that eliminate harmful pathogens are affordable and widely available. Stock up on bleach, a versatile disinfectant that can also purify water, as previously mentioned.
Hand soap works in a pinch, but it’s insufficient against airborne pathogens. Invest in hand sanitizer and use it after touching shared surfaces or interacting with others. In the absence of sanitizer, alcohol can eliminate most germs, though it’s best reserved as a backup option.
Standard surgical masks are ineffective against the coronavirus. Opt for a CBRN-grade full-face mask, designed to protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
6. Establish a Secure Room and Home
Securing your home is crucial, and duct tape, a staple of the US Military for decades, is your go-to tool. Easy to tear and highly adhesive, it’s perfect for sealing your home against viruses. While purchasing tape, also stock up on plastic drop cloths for added protection.
Simply closing doors and windows won’t keep viruses out. If insects like spiders and ants can infiltrate your home, so can airborne diseases.
Cover all windows and doors with drop cloths, securing them tightly with duct tape. If your home has a fireplace, close the flue and seal it as well. Finally, designate a quarantine room in your house to isolate anyone displaying symptoms of infection from the rest of the household.
5. Strengthen Your Immune System
Our immune system is the primary defense against life-threatening infections. Maintain your health by incorporating Lysine, Vitamin C, and regular exercise into your routine.
Stockpile essential medications, including antibiotics, and ensure those requiring insulin or EpiPens have a sufficient supply.
If you rely on prescription medications, refill them well in advance. Keep at least a month’s supply on hand to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms, particularly with antidepressants. Abruptly stopping prescription drugs can be more harmful than the infection itself, so always maintain an adequate stock.
Ensure you also have cold medicine, multivitamins, antibiotic ointments, and a fully equipped first aid kit. Surviving a major pandemic only to succumb to a minor infection from a hand cut would be a tragic outcome.
4. Prepare a Bug Out Bag
During an outbreak, governments often quarantine affected regions. This occurred in Wuhan, where over ten million people were quickly confined to their homes.
While locals were quarantined, uninfected foreigners were evacuated. If a similar situation arises in your area, you might need to leave abruptly. Having a pre-packed bug out bag ensures you’re ready for such emergencies.
Your bug out bag should include all the essentials mentioned earlier, but only enough supplies to last for 72 hours.
Include an emergency radio, flashlight, extra batteries, waterproof matches, and a flint and steel in your kit. Also, pack clothing and feminine hygiene products. While pre-made bug out bags are available online, most survival experts recommend customizing your own to meet your specific needs and health conditions.
Additionally, include a copy of your city’s disaster plan, which can guide you to safe routes during an emergency.
3. Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario
In the unfortunate event of a death within your group, the body will start decomposing almost instantly. This process releases gases and waste, posing a continued risk of disease transmission.
Ebola is particularly hazardous when it comes to infection from corpses due to the significant blood loss involved. However, even naturally deceased bodies can be dangerous. Always handle a corpse with gloves and a mask to avoid contamination.
Disposing of a corpse is a challenging task, and as highlighted in our video on extreme odors, the stench of burning human remains is something you’ll want to avoid. Rather than cremation, consider dissolving the body, a method sometimes used by Mexican drug cartels.
The most effective approach is to bury the body and apply lye. Use a shovel to dig a six-foot-deep hole, place the body inside, sprinkle several cups of lye over it, and cover it with soil. This process will break down everything except bones and teeth in a relatively short time.
While this list has an entertaining tone, it underscores a genuine threat in today’s world. Take the time to review your city’s disaster plan and ensure you’re as prepared as possible. Pandemics and plagues often strike without warning, and the current situation is escalating—this might be your only opportunity to prepare.
Best of luck! We’re all going to need it.
2. Stock Up on Activities to Combat Boredom
When an outbreak reaches your region, you could face extended quarantine periods. If the power fails, forget about streaming The Mandalorian or gaming on Fortnite.
However, boredom doesn’t have to defeat you. Even without electricity, there are plenty of ways to stay mentally engaged, especially when the self-proclaimed Social Influencer in your group panics over Instagram being down and craves attention.
Stock up on a wide range of books, including both entertaining reads and essential survival guides. These manuals could prove lifesaving in unexpected situations.
Puzzle books and classic board games are fantastic for passing the time. While boredom won’t kill you, it can make life unbearable, so prepare accordingly.
1. Get Ready for a Barter-Based Economy
If a significant portion of the population is wiped out by the outbreak, survivors will be left to rebuild. The cash you withdrew from the bank may hold little value in such a scenario.
You’ll need to look to history and embrace the concept of a barter economy. In a post-pandemic world, trade will be essential—no one will exchange vital items like penicillin for gold or cash.
Before Hitler and the National Socialist Party rose to power in Germany, the Weimar Republic governed the nation. The economy was in ruins, and the currency was nearly worthless. Citizens turned to an underground barter system, which sustained them. A similar situation exists today in Venezuela.
To prepare, stockpile commonly needed items such as antiseptic ointment, face masks, medicines, and other essentials. Don’t overlook basics like toilet paper, which will be in high demand during a large-scale crisis.
