My Blog

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In preparation for this post I needed to check myself out to see exactly what I had on hand. Keep in mind I’ve gathered and stored things for years. It all started when I got married and had $100 a month for groceries and medical supplies. My husband was still in college and I had a teaching position where I made $7000 a year. So, I learned early on to stretch a dollar and prepare.

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Fast forward from college to new community in the beautiful Ozarks. If you read my earlier posts, you’ll remember in the mining community I lived, there were limited resources as to shopping. Once again, I planned, stored, learned to garden and can. Everyone practiced some form of this.

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Even as we pulled up roots several more times, my way of life as to planning stayed the same. I began to read about preppers, coupon queens and then 9/11 happened. The lightbulb went on for me that being prepared made a lot of sense. Whether it is a national emergency, terrorist attack or nature’s warped sense of humor, why not give yourself some peace of mind by taking inventory of what your family might need in such a situation?

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That brings me to medical supplies and being healthy. I admit after spreading all my stash out on the kitchen table it looked like I was supplying a mash unit in Kandahar. It was all mixed up, this and that, upside down and smashed. After going through it, much had to be pitched since the expiration date had come and gone. But the good news was I had some basic items that made me feel confident. Remember this is my list. Contact websites like the Red Cross, Homeland Security, local health departments or Department of Transportation for other lists.

1. First Aid Kit (buy one already prepared for you)
2. Three-month supply of your prescriptions (I know some of you may need very specific things if you require life saving medications or daily treatment. Don’t wait to talk to your doctor.)
3. Children medications for fever, cough, scrapes, bruises & rashes
4. Adult medications for fever, cough, congestion, baby aspirin, poison ivy, constipation, diarrhea  
5. Toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, extra toothbrushes (keeping your mouth & teeth healthy is so important.)
6. Lotions, shampoo, soap (keeping clean keeps the germs away.)
7. Band aides, bandages, antibiotic cream, alcohol, sunscreen, sunburn cream, gauze, bandage tape
8. Tissues, baby items, wipes,
9. Vitamins, electrolytes
10. If you wear glasses or contact lenses there will be certain things you require.

Equipment

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This will vary according to your age, children, older family members living with you, underlying medical conditions.

1. Walker, cane, wheelchair, compression socks
2. Humidifier
3. Scissors
4. Batteries
5. Phone/charger
6. Printout of medications, health needs, phone numbers/addresses of who to contact during emergency.

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Homeland Security recommends a two-week supply of water and food. You can find out more at ready.gov for other emergencies and disaster preparation. The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says to identify household members who may be at risk of complications. (Think elderly or other underlying health conditions.) Monitor them closely if possible.

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It is important that you stay healthy during difficult times. Eat good food. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay active. Get plenty of rest. Stay busy with things you enjoy. Watch movies, sing, dance, exercise, take walks, create art, sew, garden, write that book or letters to friends.

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DON’T PANIC. You are strong. Being optimistic is good medicine and very contagious. Counting your blessings instead of everything that is going wrong, might be a good avenue for your overall mental health.

Remember this: Anne Frank had to shelter in a 450 square foot attic with seven other people so the Nazis wouldn’t send them to the gas chamber. During the day they had to remain quiet. They were not discovered for two years. Enjoy your family and home while you shelter in place. It could be a lot worse.