When you’re prepared for the unexpected, you can readily embrace last-minute accidents or a change of plans without feeling like you’re losing control. Earlier this year, we saw how COVID-19 sneaked up on us, reshaping our society in lasting ways. When an emergency strikes, it’s never expected. It could be an earthquake, or a family member falling ill. Even losing power for a few days is unthinkable, and we wonder about basic essentials.
Also, chances are you might be working from home. And so, now with all of the above in mind, it makes sense to stock up mindfully for an eventuality. Now is the time for preparation – not to panic. Even if your local stores are open and stocked, you want to avoid crowded places and maintain distancing. While toilet paper and bottled water are flying off shelves, the list of COVID essentials is longer.
1. Shelf-stable food, groceries
Before purchasing food, check expiration dates, and plan out your consumption. Keep food allergies in mind and take only the necessities.
- Canned goods
- Pasta
- Cereals
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Dried fruits
- Dehydrated foods like this 24-serving bucket with a shelf life of 30 years
- Chips, crackers, nuts
- Other fun (but also healthy) food
Non-perishable foods are a must for plenty of potential emergencies; they’re perfect COVID essentials food-wise. Protein bars and dehydrated fruit have long shelf lives and deliver high energy despite their small size.
2. Drinking water
If you do not have a water filter and your tap water is unfit to drink, you could stock bottled drinking water. As per the Department of Homeland Security, on average, a person requires half to one gallon of water per day. But it depends on you to decide how many days of water supply you need.
3. Prescription medications
You can stock or refill essential drugs vital to you with the help of your doctor and pharmacist. This way, you avoid venturing out. This is especially helpful with the elderly at home as they are the most vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19. Also, you may want to consider some First-Aid kits as the time taken for ER admissions just keeps increasing.
4. Toiletries
If you have a particular skincare routine that depends on specific products, now is the time to buy a few months’ worths of those toiletries. All over the world, supply chains are being disrupted by the pandemic. But that doesn’t mean you need to worry about running out of basic essentials like soap, which many different companies make. However, non-essential toiletries, especially those made by smaller companies, might be out of stock for weeks or months. Here’s a list of basic toiletries that you should have:
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Contact solution
- Deodorant
- Antibacterial soap
- Hand Sanitizer with a high alcohol content
- Toilet paper
- Tissues
- Disinfecting wipes
- Sanitary napkins/tampons/other feminine care products
5. Cash for necessities
The pandemic has brought in erratic incomes and uncertain months ahead, putting hard cash among COVID essentials. Jobs are at risk, and everyone is worried about second waves and more lockdowns. So, it is always good to keep some extra cash at home and in your bank in these tough times. You should limit yourself to essential spending, at least for the time being.
6. Good healthy practices
It may not be enough to have all that you need. Preventive steps with disease management is a good practice done regularly. During COVID-19, you will want to:
- Stay away from crowds – maintain social distancing
- Wash hands – scrub for 20 seconds
- It is advised to cough or sneeze into your elbow and not into your hands. This way, the viruses do not get airborne.
- Dispose of used tissues properly and don’t keep them in your pocket
- We recommend keeping your hands away from your face, eyes, and nose
- Check and bookmark your local health department – County and City health departments for any health emergencies
- Enroll with emergency alert systems – like the Onondaga County or Oswego County Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification Systems.
Expect the return to normalcy to take a few months – plan for the entertainment and stable mental health of everyone at home. Consider doing the following during COVID-19 quarantines:
- Hobbies – Build your morale and take up that hobby
- Work from home setup – Comfortable chair and table and a reliable WiFi
- Electronics and spare parts – Spare battery, backup phone anything you feel might break
- Things for quality time with the roomis – Board games, video games, sheet music for sing-alongs, popcorn for movie nights
Preparedness is your prerogative, but we think preparation is a life choice!
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers learn how to live through lockdowns and quarantines? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!
