When it comes to surviving a pandemic, having a solid game plan is priceless. These top 10 things will give you the confidence to face a coronavirus outbreak head‑on, whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting to think about emergency readiness.
Why These Top 10 Things Matter
10 Stockpile Food And Water
The average human burns anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 calories each day, and without proper nourishment the body begins to break down rapidly.
Starvation is a slow, painful death that can stretch out to 70 days, while dehydration can snuff you out in just three or four days.
Make sure you have at least a couple of months’ worth of canned and dehydrated meals for each person in your household. Military rations pack a massive calorie load and can sit on the shelf for up to five years, so they’re a smart addition.
Plan for a minimum of two weeks’ water supply, though four weeks is ideal. Roughly half a gallon per person per day will keep you hydrated.
If fresh supplies run dry, you can purify questionable water by boiling it or adding a few drops of iodine or bleach.
One of the best tools on the market is the LifeStraw, which filters water as you drink directly from a contaminated source. Stock several of these and keep them within easy reach.
9 Buy Essential Tools
If a pandemic turns deadly enough to rival the Black Death, society will need time to recover after the worst of it passes.
When a large chunk of the population is suddenly out of the picture, you’ll need to fend for yourself, which means having the right tools at your disposal.
Picture scouring abandoned houses for food; a sturdy crowbar will let you get inside without a fuss. Breaking into a deserted home isn’t glamorous, but it’s a realistic survival scenario.
A well‑filled toolbox is a must‑have. Include a hammer, a versatile screwdriver set, an adjustable wrench, and a multitool for those unexpected fixes.
8 Get Yourself Some Weapons
Many survivalists swear by a stash of firearms and ammunition, not only for hunting but also for self‑defense when society collapses.
If the worst unfolds and people start turning on each other, you’ll quickly find yourself in a real‑life post‑apocalyptic movie. Your best bet is to be prepared to protect yourself.
Shotguns excel at close‑range encounters, while a rifle with a good scope is essential for larger game. Pistols provide a compact, high‑impact option for personal defense.
If firearms are off‑limits in your area, a machete or crossbow can still serve as effective hunting and defensive tools. At the very least, a sturdy hunting knife should be part of your kit.
7 Stock Up On Disinfectant
Plague doctors once wore beaked masks filled with herbs, believing foul smells spread disease. While that theory is outdated, the principle of sanitizing surfaces remains vital.
Everyday consumer products that kill pathogens are inexpensive and widely available. Stock up on bleach—it can disinfect surfaces and also make unsafe water potable.
Hand soap works in a pinch, but when airborne bugs are a threat, reach for hand sanitizer. If you’re completely out of sanitizer, pure alcohol can serve as a last‑resort germ killer.
Standard surgical masks won’t protect against coronavirus; instead, consider a CBRN‑rated full‑face mask designed for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
6 Create A Safe Room And House
Securing your home means turning to a timeless hero: duct tape. It’s strong, versatile, and can help you seal every possible entry point.
Don’t rely solely on doors and windows; insects can slip through the tiniest cracks, and so can airborne pathogens.
Cover each window and door with heavy‑duty drop cloths, then seal them tightly with duct tape. Shut the fireplace flue and seal it as well. Designate a quarantine room where anyone showing symptoms can be isolated.
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5 Prep Your Immune System
Your immune system is the body’s frontline defense against infection, so keeping it in top shape is non‑negotiable.
Collect a solid supply of medicines: antibiotics, insulin, and EpiPens for those with allergies. Never wait until the last minute to refill prescriptions—keep at least a month’s worth on hand.
Running out of essential meds can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, especially for antidepressants. Don’t gamble with your health; maintain a generous stockpile.
Also gather cold medicine, multivitamins, antibiotic ointments, and a well‑stocked first‑aid kit. You don’t want to survive a pandemic only to succumb to a simple cut.
4 Create A Bug Out Bag
Governments typically quarantine affected zones, forcing many to stay put. While some are evacuated, others must be ready to flee on short notice.
A well‑prepared bug‑out bag should contain everything from the previous list, but only enough for a 72‑hour window.
Include an emergency radio, flashlight, spare batteries, waterproof matches, and a flint‑and‑steel set. Pack appropriate clothing and feminine hygiene products. Build your bag around personal needs rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all kit.
Don’t forget a copy of your city’s disaster plan, which can guide you on safe travel routes during an emergency.
3 Prepare For A Barter Economy
If a pandemic wipes out a large portion of the population, the survivors will need to rely on barter rather than cash.
History shows that in times of crisis, people trade essential items like medicine, masks, and even basic supplies such as toilet paper.
During the Weimar Republic’s collapse and today’s Venezuelan crisis, bartering kept societies functioning. Stock up on high‑demand goods to ensure you have leverage.
Antiseptic ointments, various medicines, and everyday necessities become valuable currency in a post‑pandemic world.
2 Get Hold Of Some Boredom Busters
When an outbreak forces you into prolonged quarantine, power outages can make streaming services and video games unavailable.
That doesn’t mean you have to succumb to boredom. Even without electricity, you can keep your mind sharp and spirits high.
Amass a variety of books—both entertaining titles and practical survival manuals. You never know when a guide might save your life.
Puzzle books and classic board games provide hours of distraction and mental exercise, keeping morale up when the world outside feels uncertain.
1 Prepare For The Worst
It’s possible that someone in your group will die. When that happens, the body begins decomposing immediately, releasing gases and fluids that can still spread disease.
Ebola, for example, is notorious for transmitting through the bodies of the deceased because of the massive blood loss involved. Even natural deaths can pose a contamination risk.
Disposing of a corpse is a daunting task. Instead of cremation, consider a burial method that neutralizes the remains.
Dig a six‑foot‑deep hole, place the body inside, and cover it with several cups of lye before backfilling with soil. The lye will break down soft tissue, leaving only bones and teeth after a short period.
While this list leans toward the dramatic, it underscores real dangers. Review your city’s disaster plan and ensure you have all necessary supplies. Pandemics rarely give ample warning, so act now.
Good luck! We may all need it.
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