Pandemic Emergency Kit

The novel coronavirus continues to make the news. The number of persons infected by COVID19 has surpassed 100, 000 worldwide. Consequently, governments everywhere have been telling their population to prepare for the worst without panicking. However, this is easier said than done given the volume of fake news all across the various social media platforms. Panic shopping has overtaken logic and, as a result, many items are now in short supply or have seen an increase in price. Unfortunately, many shoppers are now experiencing this reality. Among the items in short supply are hand sanitizers and Lysol. Lysol are no longer on the shelves. This product is now behind the counter at some supermarkets, pharmacies and wholesale. In many instances Lysol is being restricted to one per customer. However, if you are not known by the management of the wholesale or supermarket your chance of getting a Lysol to purchase is nil. We are being advised to shock up on basic items. Many of us have or are aware of a First Aid kit. We are being advised to invest in a Pandemic Emergency Kit; especially since the coronavirus continues to spread. Water is important to our survival. It is recommended that we have at least 2 weeks supply of water for each family member.  Many of us have family members who suffer from non-communicable diseases such as, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer's disease and heart disease. It is very important that those of us who suffer from non- communicable diseases have our prescription medication in active supply. Other items which should be included in a Pandemic Emergency Kit are over-the-counter medication you will want to have with you in case you get sick like painkillers, fever-suppressors, cough syrup, and products that can settle your stomach. Other supplies like tissues, thermometer, rubbing alcohol, vitamins and fluids that will replenish your body with electrolytes are also recommended. Persons who are diabetic should also have a glucometer to check their blood glucose levels.  Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a sphygmomanometer, or a blood pressure machine in your emergency kit. It is also recommended to have batteries in your emergency kit since all these life saving diagnostic machines use batteries.  Those of us who are pet owners should also ensure that we have adequate supply of pet food in storage. Personal hygiene products such as toilet papers, disinfectants, sanitary products, diapers, baby formulas are also suggested to be part of your emergency kit. We must be mindful of the many online pandemic emergency kits being sold online. Many of these kits contain, anti-viral facemasks, N-95 respirator masks, gloves, goggles and water purification tablets, these items are unnecessary. Obviously, deciding on a Pandemic Emergency Kit is a personal decision. No one knows better than you what is required for your Pandemic Emergency Kit. Now is the time to do your assessment of your family and then try and get your must have items and store them away in the event that the worst comes. Now is not the time to panic; it’s a window of opportunity to put contingency plans in place in the event of the unthinkable.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo