Do you have enough supplies in your survival stockpile to last a long-term lockdown? Do you have the mental fortitude to last a couple of weeks or even several months without going outside, unless it's for groceries?
If these questions are making you panic, sit down, take a deep breath and read on to learn how you can get ready like a prepper before a lockdown.
What happens during a lockdown?
Even before the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, lockdowns have been enforced in the past to ensure control over the population ahead of or in response to a developing incident to keep the public safe.
In the case of the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring that people stay indoors whenever possible can help reduce exposure to infected patients and slow down the spread of the disease.
A lockdown means almost all private and commercial interactions grind to a halt. People are expected to stay at home for the duration of the lockdown order, with exceptions for supply runs at the store or access to health care.
The majority of businesses will also be involuntarily or voluntarily closed, but exceptions will be given for essential services, such as restaurants, groceries and hospitals. (Related: Coronavirus would have killed 40 million if the world didn’t go on lockdown, say experts.)
A short-term lockdown probably won't change your routine. However, a long-term lockdown may require significant changes in your lifestyle.
If your pantry and survival stockpile is running low, take the time to replenish your supplies while you still can. As of writing, other Americans have the same idea and worried citizens continue to clear out store shelves as they stock up on necessities like food, cleaning supplies, and, surprisingly, toilet paper.
How to prep before a lockdown
If you're new to prepping, don't be overwhelmed. Start by setting up the preps below to help your family get ready for a lockdown before it's too late. When stocking up on supplies, you need to have enough for at least several weeks or months.
Food
A prepper pantry has various kinds of canned meats, veggies and fruit, along with some dehydrated meals.
Take note that the average adult needs at least 2,000 calories per day.
You should also stock up on these other items:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Canned liquids (E.g., beef and chicken stock, condensed and evaporated milk)
- Cereals
- Coffee and tea
- Cornmeal
- Cooking oil (E.g., extra virgin olive oil or peanut oil)
- Dried beans
- Flour
- Nut butter
- Oats and oatmeal
- Pasta
- Protein Bars
- Raw honey or maple syrup
- Rice
- Salt, pepper and various spices
- Sugar
- Yeast
Don't make the mistake of buying food and just leaving everything in your stockpile. Adjust this list by adding or removing items, and try cooking with the items in your stockpile.
Rotate your supplies to prevent spoilage. If you have pets, stock up on treats, pet food and medication for them as well.
Water
Your water shouldn't be shut down for a lockdown, but in case it does, it's better to have a month's supply of water in your garage even if you don't need it.
Each family member will need a gallon of water per day for cooking, drinking and basic hygiene.
Home goods
Stock up items that you'll need for cleaning or maintaining proper hygiene, such as:
- Antibacterial wipes
- Baby wipes
- Paper plates
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Toilet paper
Medical supplies
Prep a comprehensive basic first-aid kit. Your supplies should also include basic trauma care items such as rolled gauze, splints and tourniquets.
Include herbal remedies or medication for existing conditions.
Weapons
When SHTF, you may need to protect your family from looters or others who wish to do you harm.
Learn how to use your self-defense weapon of choice properly and be prepared to use it when disaster strikes. Consider non-lethal options like pepper spray, short- to mid-range weapons like baseball bats and knives and long-range options like guns.
Cash or precious metals
You'll need cash to buy more supplies or pay for essential services.
Entertainment
Adults and kids will all benefit from entertainment like cards, books or board games. Playing games will help pass the time and ease the fear of both old and young family members.
Assess the lockdown
If your city does go into lockdown, confirm what kind of restrictions on movement and travel will take place.
With less restrictive lockdowns, like ones enforced for epidemics and pandemics, you'll be allowed to leave your home to buy groceries or go to the doctor.
However, with extremely strict or non-permissive lockdowns, it may be nearly impossible to leave your home until the situation is resolved.
Considering the possibility of a lockdown may be overwhelming, but as a prepper, you must be ready to face and adjust to whatever disaster scenario comes your way. Given enough time to prepare, you can set up the necessary gear and supplies before things get too serious.
A country-wide lockdown order may arrive with absolutely no warning. Don't wait until you have almost no time left and start setting up your preps immediately.
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