Americans have always been fascinated with survival situations, whether they are triggered by nuclear warfare, a catastrophic disease, or some other kind of huge, horrible disaster. Dozens of books and movies have been written centering around the idea of the end of civilization as we know it, incorporating elements of dystopia, zombies, and other ideas that seem to defy the natural restraints of death. With war seemingly always on the horizon with increased political tensions, and especially with the global outbreak of coronavirus, people across the world are preparing for the worst, but the question that needs to be asked is: what exactly do people need to be prepared?
Food and Water
Food and water are some of the most obvious things to have in the case of an emergency. Humans can’t live for very long without water and food, and it is crucial to stock up on nonperishables, or at least foods that have a long shelf life, and a lot of bottled water early, because supplies can run out. If there is a horrible disease, a war, or a natural disaster, the production of food can fall off dramatically and grocery stores may not receive the same supply of food they always do, leaving not enough food and bottled water to go around. The kind of food that is purchased is also important; if power is lost anything that is stored in the refrigerator or the freezer will not last long. Other products that aren’t typically stored in the fridge, such as bread or jams and jellies that are kept in the pantry, could also mold. Canned foods are a good option, as are rice, beans, dried foods, peanut butter, and pasta.
First-Aid and Hygiene Items
As the numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths have risen in the past few weeks, face masks seem to be the object that everyone turns to protect themselves from the disease. While it may seem like a good idea, thinking that the face mask would keep out germs from others, many wonder if the face masks are harmful to those who wear them; if the person’s own germs are just continuously recycled in the oxygen they are constantly breathing. Masks are part of the first aid and personal hygiene category, but they probably aren’t the best thing to have when a pandemic is in full force. A lot of antibacterial soaps are good to have on hand, as well as rubber gloves and other solutions that can kill bacteria. Water purification tablets or a water filtering system will also help if the bottled water supply becomes low. All kinds of medicines, antibiotics, and vitamins will be helpful in the case of an emergency, too.
Miscellaneous Objects
There are many other objects that will help in any kind of survival situation, and many that can be kept in a car in case of an evacuation. If there is a need for a quick evacuation, a good idea is to have a “bug-out bag”, or a container with emergency supplies that can be quickly transported. Flashlights, radios, and extra batteries will help in case of a power outage, the flashlights providing a light source, and the radio helping to transmit important information. Blankets, maps, matches, duct tape, and clothing for all kinds of weather (rain, snow, hail, and extreme heat) should also be obtained in a survival situation.
Millions of people around the world are worried about the coronavirus, and hundreds of thousands have begun to prepare for the worst. Although it is likely that a vaccine will soon be developed and the seriousness of the disease will subside, it never hurts to be prepared.
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