Coronavirus or COVID-19 has us all frightened and the government has recommended we be prepared for a pandemic with two weeks’ worth of food and supplies so that we can quarantine if necessary. Here’s what I’ve bought without spending much more than normal, focusing on bulk ingredients for delicious, healthy homemade food. I also cover emergency and first aid supplies.
Quarantine and Disaster Preparedness Checklist
FOOD
Baking: Sugar, cocoa, flour, baking powder, baking soda, iodized salt, spices
Staples: Rice, beans, lentils, grains, oats, quinoa, bran, couscous, pasta
Preserves: Peanut butter, honey, jam, pickles, mayo, canned/frozen veggies, canned soup/chili, condensed/evaporated milk
Vegetables: Root veggies like potatoes (store in dark), carrots, celery, turnips, beets
Dried fruit: Raisins, prunes, cranberries, trail mix
Stimulants: Coffee, tea, cocoa mix or caffeine pills, alcohol
Protein: Canned tuna, chicken, salmon, silken tofu, nuts, protein powder, powdered mik
Oils: Butter, oil, shortening, lard
Water: Use milk jugs (labeled with date by store) or water heater/toilet tank/rain barrels
Dehydrated foods: Mountain House or other
Pet food: Chicken/dog/cat/fish, bedding, crates
Not recommended: Ramen, soda, processed foods, candy, protein bars, MREs
FIRST AID
Prescription medicine, diabetes supplies, pet medicine
Bandages, antibiotic cream
Ibuprofen, cold/cough medicine
First aid manual
Disinfectant (isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide)
Gloves, masks
EMERGENCY
Crank radio, fashlights, batteries, generator (crank/gas/solar), lithium battery, gas, fire extinguisher, candles, matches
Tools (Leatherman, gas shutoff wrench)
Camp stove and fuel, Rechargeable LED lamps, go bags (Weapons)
Water purification tablets or filters
TOILETRIES
Sunscreen, toothpaste or baking soda, toothbrushes, floss, soap, toilet paper?? Or bidet bottle/cup
PAPERS
Fireproof folder including birth certificats, deeds, passports
Cash
Evacuation/meetup plan
Phone tree
Print out of emergency addresses and phone numbers
Maps
Printed instructions or recipes
CLOTHING
Weather-specific gear
Clothes for children
