Are There Gaps in Your Preparedness?
Terry Nelson 05.22.20
It appears that across much of the USA we are now seeing a leveling-out period of the COVID-19 virus. The last couple of months have been brutal for many — not only from the virus itself but in making a living and obtaining supplies. While we are experiencing a downturn in the virus, hopefully for the long-term, in all likelihood there will be a resurgence this fall and winter. Currently we are seeing supplies available again albeit not to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Now is the time to evaluate where your preparedness was lacking over the last couple of months. Now is the time to fill the gaps that you did not know existed until the recent hard times. Unfortunately, hard times may still be ahead. Whether it be the current virus or some other yet unknown challenge, we owe it to ourselves, family, and friends to be as prepared and self-sustaining as possible.
Below are just a few areas that can challenge us all when it came to obtaining supplies. Now is the time to address the problem.
Everyday essentials
Paper towels, toilet paper, and sanitizing supplies were, and still are in many regions of the country, in short supply. While the PT and TP necessities are on the rebound, we have all seen just how quickly these items can disappear. Hand sanitizer and Lysol are still very much unavailable in most areas.
Personal Protective Items
I must admit, this category was not my strongest suit when it came to being prepared. But I am fixing that. We all know that good quality face masks have become nearly unobtainable. Do your research and keep your eyes open. Sooner or later you will be able to find a few of these. Or better yet, learn how to make them yourself. Some states have now mandated wearing a face mask in public.
Water & Food
Bottled water was a challenge early on but is generally very available now. Food on the other hand, especially long-term storage food, is still problematic. A mixed approach is probably best. Frozen food is great of course, unless there is a long-term power outage. So, having dry goods (beans, rice) and long-term storage foods, such as “Meals Ready to Eat” (MREs) and freeze-dried foods is a good idea to fill in your food supply gaps. Start working on this now as supplies slowly become more available.
Another thought here is to occasionally prepare a meal from your MREs and or freeze-dried food store. Make sure these products set well with the needs of you and your family.
Medical
If you require medication on a regular basis, caution would dictate keeping several months’ supply on hand. Other quality first aid supplies might not be a bad idea either. Tourniquets, serious wound dressing (H-Bandage, Israeli bandage), and bleed-stopping agents would fall into this category as well.
Ammunition
If you are an advocate of your right of self-protection, keep several hundred rounds of your most-used calibers. All of us saw ammo supplies disappear from retailers in a matter of days. Keep in mind it would be nice to have enough on hand to be able to continue training once in a while. Aside from the other obvious reasons of hunting and barter, ammo is always a good investment for trying times.
Cash
The recommendation is three to six months’ worth of cash money. I would go with six to twelve months’ worth of living expenses, in cash if possible. I know this is easier said than done in these difficult times, but it’s a worthy goal.
This is just a short list. Your specific needs and requirements must be taken into consideration. Take this time when supplies are becoming more available to fill the gaps. Hopefully you will never need them… hopefully.
