Prepare for a Pandemic

A pandemic can strike at any time, without warning, and it’s important to be prepared in order to protect yourself and the people around you.

Unfortunately, everyone on the planet has learned that global pandemics are not science fiction.

What is a Pandemic?

A pandemic is an epidemic of an infectious disease that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial number of people.

Throughout human history, there have been a number of pandemics of diseases such as smallpox and tuberculosis. The most fatal pandemic in recorded history was the Black Death, which killed an estimated 75–200 million people in the 14th century. Wikipedia

Pandemic News

In 2020, a pandemic swept across the globe, wiping out millions of people and infecting over 100 million others.

Covid-19

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. CDC

• Covid-19 | Vaccine | Vaccine from Cancer Research

Protective Products for Covid-19

Cloth Face Mask

This snug fit cloth face mask has been wildly popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is comfortable, as far as an all-day mask can be. The masks can be washed and reused. 

Be sure to purchase the correct size mask for ideal fit and protection. The mask can be used for indoor and outdoor activity.

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KN95 Mask

Breathing clean air is the top survival priority. Protect your airway with government approved KN95 masks. Protect against dust, smoke, airbourne germs and particulates. 

Fabric is breathable and non-woven for general use only - not for medical use. Stretchable ear bands ensure comfort over long periods of wear time. 

Amazon notice: amazon.com/AboutKN95s

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Respirator

Breathing clean air is the top survival priority. Protect your airway with a durable respirator with filter cartridges. Protect against gases, vapors, and dust. 

This filter is comfortable and has easy-breathe technology. Exhalation is directed downward to minimize fog-ups.

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Gas Mask

Breathing clean air is the top survival priority. Protect your airway with a durable, professional full face gas mask with filter cartridges. Protect against toxic materials, chemicals, gases, vapors, and dust. 

This filter is comfortable and has easy-breathe technology. Exhalation is directed downward to minimize fog-ups.

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How to wear a mask properly

A big part of staying safe during a pandemic is making sure you and your loved ones do not contribute to spreading illnesses.

Invest in a high-quality, reusable mask to wear whenever you leave your home. Make sure the mask covers your mouth and your nose, and you do not lower it in public to speak to people, or speak on your phone. Do not lower your mask in public.

If you have the urge to cough, even when wearing your mask, be sure to cough into your elbow.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of whatever illness or disease may be spreading during the pandemic, quarantine yourself immediately, and schedule an appointment with your doctor.

However, your physical health isn’t the only thing you should be paying close attention to. Mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Preparing for a Pandemic

The best way to prepare for an upcoming pandemic is to pay attention -- listen to healthcare professionals and scientists when a warning is issued.

It’s also a good idea to avoid panic-buying and stockpiling -- take only what you need, and do your best to make your supplies last.

The author of this article recommends following guidelines set by professionals, and avoiding furthering the pandemic by leaving the house for unnecessary trips -- avoid places such as the nail salon and hairdresser during pandemics.

Before leaving quarantine, determine whether or not you and your loved ones are leaving out of necessity or not.

It’s also advised that flying and parties should be avoided during a pandemic. Avoid hosting in-person parties and events altogether -- host events online during pandemics to avoid spreading disease.

It’s also important to mentally prepare yourself and your family for being in isolation for months at a time.

Pandemic Preparedness Plan

The biggest part of being prepared and staying safe during a pandemic is following the latest guidelines set by professionals.

The most important bit of supplies to keep around include things to keep you occupied -- during times of isolation, your mental health may take a toll. Check on loved ones through video or phone calls, and have hobbies and activities planned to keep your mind occupied.

And remember to practice healthy habits such as washing your hands year-round, and quarantining yourself when sick.

• Keep an eye on the news and listen to important updates
• Avoid crowds and public spaces
• Wash your hands properly and very often
• Avoid panic-buying and be mindful about the supplies you use over the course of the pandemic
• Remember that pandemics are serious, and not to be taken lightly
• Avoid spreading misinformation about the current pandemic -- double check your sources before taking information seriously and sharing it with others
• Have hobbies and safe activities in mind for times when you and your loved ones are in quarantine
• Monitor your health closely
• Wear a mask whenever you’re in a public area -- even if you feel fine

Keeping your mind occupied during a pandemic

The most important part of surviving a pandemic is looking after your mental health.

Social distancing and isolation is more often than not the best course of action for your physical health -- but your mental health may take a toll.

Isolation can wear down on anyone -- even those who are quarantined with their family and loved ones. It’s important to set time aside for yourself and give yourself mental breaks.

It’s normal to experience stress during a pandemic, and it’s important to remember that stress can present itself differently in different people. You may notice changes in behavior in either yourself or a loved one that may include:

• Excessive crying or feeling of numbness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• A change in eating habits
• An increased use of tobacco or alcohol

If you notice any extreme changes in yourself or a loved one, you may want to consider offering support to yourself or others.

If you happen to notice signs of depression or declining mental health in someone else, take the time to ask them if they would either like to talk to you or a mental health professional. Offer support in any way you can, even if it’s something small.

If you notice signs of depression or declining mental health in yourself, reach out to a trusted loved one for an emotional release or consult a mental health professional for advice.

One key to staying healthy is to give yourself small breaks from reading, watching, and listening to the news. It’s good to stay informed, but overwhelming yourself will do nothing but wear you down.

Emergency Gear to Prepare for Pandemics

Staying inside and away from crowds is easy enough -- but it isn’t as easy to keep supplies up to date. When replenishing your supplies, be sure to keep your trips quick, and be sure to stay the recommended space away from other people.

Thankfully, you likely have most of the supplies you will need already in your home. Pandemics can vary, and you may need different supplies based on the disease going around. However, it is possible to gather general supplies to get you through just about anything.

Stock up on the following to better prepare your family.

• A mask for each member of your household
• Hand sanitizer
• Non-perishable food items
• Water
• Pet supplies
• Any medications you and your family might need
• Infant care supplies
• Books
• An internet connection or battery-powered radio
• Batteries
• A first-aid kit

Hand Sanitizer

Clean your hands and body with effective hand sanitizer

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Nalgene Water Bottle

Personal survival water bottle

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