Supplies to Have on Hand During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Every household should have a well-stocked emergency kit on hand for natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. This kit will typically contain supplies that your family can survive on in an emergency, even if the power is out or you don’t have access to running water.

As we continue to navigate the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, you might be wondering if you should have an emergency kit for this type of disruption as well. The answer is yes—you do need an emergency kit for COVID-19 and other pandemics.

In the case of a pandemic, creating an emergency kit is about stocking up enough supplies (not hoarding everything at once!) so that you won’t have to leave the house if you or someone else in your household gets sick.

How To Stock Up on Supplies for a Pandemic

Aim to have at least two weeks of non-perishable food on hand in case you or someone in your household becomes ill. You should also try to have at least two weeks of essential supplies such as household cleaners.

Whatever you do, don’t stockpile all your goods at one time. In addition to ensuring that everyone has access to the essential food and supplies we all need, it’s easier on the supply chain if you gradually build up your household stores rather than panic-buying every bottle of disinfectant you can get your hands on. Instead, continue purchasing your regular, perishable groceries as usual, and add one or two extra non-perishable items to your cart whenever you head out for essential items.

Remember, stocking up on supplies does not mean that you need to clear out entire shelves of products in preparation for lockdown, or that we’ll all be forced to remain in our homes unable to acquire groceries and other necessities. It simply means that you have enough that you’ll be prepared if you or someone else in your home gets sick and you need to isolate yourself from the public.

What To Include in your Pandemic Supply Kit

Your supply kit for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and other pandemics should contain non-perishable food, as well as household supplies and essential health and medical supplies in case someone gets sick.

Food

Household supplies

Health and medical supplies

Other

• Copies of your health records and prescriptions
• Emergency information, such blood type, allergies,
• Emergency contact list

Conclusion

Like all natural disasters, you should have an emergency preparedness kit on hand to see your family through the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak, as well as for a possible second wave of infections and similar future viral outbreaks. Your pandemic emergency kit should be built up slowly and kept in place to help you in the event that you or a member of your household gets ill and need to quarantine inside your home for two weeks.

It is an uncertain and frightening time, but do your best to avoid panic buying. Think of your family, friends, and community before you take more than you need to. Remember that you will continue to have access to groceries thanks to the courageous efforts of grocery store cashiers and clerks—you do not need to be amassing month's worth of supplies.