Preparing the unprepared

Like many I am a member of several Facebook CORVID-19 groups. There are thousands of members in these groups most are which are average people who have joined to get information probably because of the stunning lack of information offered from official sources.

Most of these people have never considered prepping for any situation let alone a pandemic. They are worried and many are down right scared. We could help by posting in all of these groups the very basics of what they should consider getting before the panic buying really starts and before they get locked down.

The suggestions whould have to be easy to read, short and as basic as possible. It could go a long way to create some peace of mind for them. The we could offer links for those want to delve deeper into being prepared.

The aim would be to reach as many people as possible with the basic information to make facing a pandemic a little easier. I have something started but would really appreciate some input and help getting it ready to post on the Facebook groups.

Welcome aboard, Pragmatist!

That is a great new twist on our standard approach!

Off you go......................

Yes, I am on one of those boards, I skim but don't post. I will consider offering more information. It's kind of like teaching some that don't have a clue.......

This is so relatable for the everyday folk out there:
One-Month Food Stash for Less than $150

http://modernself-reliance.com/onemonthfood/

FluMom wrote: Just buy can goods that you will use in everyday life buy rice and beans if you eat those. Pasta and can/jar sauces tuna can chicken things like that. Nuts if you eat them popcorn crackers stuff you will eat later. Hope that helps.

FluMom wrote: Dang Chuck I have a grocery store in my basement...LOL! I am a crazy woman...lol.

Yes I told my son to fill his gas cans he laughed at me...oh well mom knows best he will learn!!!

Gas and plywood this weekend!

Oh No A Borg....

Flumom, good catch. I edited the post to say Borg lol. I'm a syfy guy, what can I say. Resistance is futile. o_0

Why are you getting borged with the detour?

Yes it does thanks.

some of the unprepared are the same people who only a short while ago,where mocking me for being a 'nutty' prepper.
i have lost good friends over this prepping lifestyle i choose to live.

i havent been on holiday forever,i dont have a flash car or boat,and have long ago given up meals out,and expensive luxurys, so that i could focus on my prepping.

my 'supermarket' at home is no accident,it was built with purpose,and intent.
i have endured years of ridicule from former friends,and i do carry scars from that experience.

once our local area gets put under mandatory lockdown,i expect the locals to go bat-shit crazy with no holds barred.

i warned these people for a few years,before realizing that my warnings were falling on deaf ears.

in short : i will offer nothing to no-one during this time.

everything ive done has been done for my loved ones only.
to any outsiders,you had your chance, you blew it.

thats about it.

I know exactly what you mean and where you are coming from. I think most of have similar stories. Sometime we have to swap some stories, I have some that would make your hair curl.

Where I am coming from is basically we know and they have no idea. So any snippet of info that I can give anyone, even the in the smallest way,to help them face the approaching maelstrom is time well spent.

While information is free the fact that our family is prepared is a different matter. We have enough for ourselves. We are not a chairty and will not become one. We will help people help themselves but it ends there.

Refrigerated or frozen food wouldn’t be my first choice either. You’re far better off with preps that aren’t reliant on a constant source of electricity. Canned and dried foods are a much safer bet.

Great posts - thank you for taking the time to share

Pragmatist wrote: KiwiMum wrote: I'm not so sure I'd rely on electricity being available. I agree and I never count on electricity being available from the utility. It is fine line though as most of this audience have no idea what may be coming and I would like to give them a little peace of mind rather than scare them. Also many are residents of Europe where they seem to have more blind faith that their government will take care of everything.

Ok, here is the list I use.
1. food and water.... I buy freeze dried food and have at least 2 month supply of freeze dried food. Water, I buy at least enough for 2 weeks of water. I have about 4 weeks of canned goods, and Have plenty of rice and beans. Dairy, I have powdered milk and powdered eggs. I also have plenty of sauces and spices to get me thru the time.

2. health care... prescription meds and vitamins as well as pain meds and other meds.   hearing aid batteries and spare hearing aids as well. spare set of glasses too. TP, paper towels and wipes as well as disinfectant. N 95 MASKS and gloves eye protection.

3. Pet stuff, buy osme cat litter and cat food as well as cat treats. We need to protect our pets too.

4. Self protection. Buy a gun and learn how to use it,, ammo and other fun stuff also.

5. keep yourself busy. hobbies are important. You are going to spend lots of time inside so enjoy and get a hobby.

Tabitha111 wrote: deleting my post. I wish I knew how to this??

Easy, even for a technophobe like me.

First click on 'post options' top right of the post.
Click 'delete post' from the list.
click 'yes' from the two boxes.

BE PREPARED NOT SCARED


Being prepared is not something that many think about but in these times of a likely pandemic a little preparation for ourselves, our families and our loved ones can go a long way to bring a little peace of mind.

The basic elements of preparedness for all eventualities are water, shelter, food and security. In a pandemic situation water, shelter and security should not be the main challenges however because water is important consider covering that base too.

Food: During a pandemic refrigeration and freezing should not be a problem but you can only keep food in the refrigerator for so long so none perishable foods are the best choice. Dairy can be a problem but eggs have a long shelf life if refrigerated. Buy food that is normally part of your diet.

Canned food is good and you will use it eventually anyway; canned soup, canned vegetables, beans, fruit, tuna and meat. Also consider tea or coffee, canned or powdered milk, mayo, salt, sugar, rice, potatoes, pasta, flour, noodles, crackers, peanut butter, ,and eggs.

Medications/Medical: If you have medications try to get them in advance. This may not be possible for some meds but do what you can. Purchase a good first aid kit and maybe a few extra vitamins.

Infection: It is possible that someone in your family may become infected. A medical thermometer, disposable masks and gloves are a must. Acetaminophen is useful to help lower temperatures. Lysol or bleach for washing surfaces down.

Toiletries: Toilet paper, tissues, tooth paste, deodorant and lots of soap.

Pets: Buy enough pet food to see your way through an extended lockdown.

Just in case there is an occasional power failure have a hand crank can opener, some candles, matches and a radio with extra batteries on hand.