While the future is uncertain, here are some tips for preppers who want to get ready before the next coronavirus lockdowns are enforced.
Are extended lockdowns necessary?
Note that the coronavirus won’t just disappear after you observe lockdown orders. Even after the lockdown period is over, there’s still the chance that you can get infected if you spend time outdoors without taking precautions.
According to experts, it is likely that the country will suffer a “second wave” of coronavirus infections. Some suggest it might occur soon after lockdown ends, but others say that there could be a seasonal link and that it will happen sometime in the Fall.
There are rumors from China about a possible second wave of coronavirus, but reliable reports from the country have been hard to come by since the pandemic began.
Researchers have yet to determine if recovering from coronavirus grants former patients immunity to the disease. Conflicting data notes that it’s impossible to develop immunity, while other reports say antibodies in the plasma of recovered patients can benefit those who are currently infected.
Signs hint at an incoming second wave of infections. As a prepper, it is your responsibility to prepare for the worst and to learn from your experiences during the first lockdowns put in place to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Things you need to do differently
Regardless of when the second surge of coronavirus infections happen, you need to be prepared for the second round of lockdowns.
Learn from your previous mistakes and how you handled scenarios such as:
- Running out of food during the lockdown.
- Not having essential non-food supplies in your stockpile.
- Not having access to items you’ll need to repair appliances in your homestead.
- Not having toys or books to entertain kids or other family members.
Review the preps you were satisfied with, and do them again to get ready for a second lockdown. (Related: A prepper’s guide to surviving a coronavirus lockdown.)
- Having enough cash in your emergency funds.
- Being able to cook delicious and nutritious meals using your food supplies.
- Not needing to leave the house for emergency supply runs.
Review your two lists, then make a third list of the things you need to buy or need to do before the second lockdown.
- Replenish your supply of ingredients for favorite meals.
- Buy more items that you ran out of first.
- Restock your pantry so you have what you need for another long-term lockdown.
- Purchase tools and repair materials for your gear.
- Buy things that will keep your family entertained.
- Finalize an inventory of supplies so you can replenish your stockpile.
Review your budget
You may be one of the millions of Americans who experienced dramatic changes in their incomes over the last few months.
If you’re barely able to cover your bills, you may have trouble stocking up for another lockdown. If this is one of your concerns, review your budget. Take advantage of whatever the government via financial assistance.
Don’t waste money on things you don’t need, and see if you can cut any fixed expenses.
Items to buy for the next lockdown
Here are some supplies that you might need more of. Once you have reviewed your budget, set aside some money, and start stocking up before things get any worse.
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Bleach
- Canned fruits – Opt for canned fruits with no added sugar. The vitamin C levels will vary from 45 percent (peaches) to 90 percent (grapefruit) of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) per serving, depending on the type of canned fruit you buy.
- Canned fish – Fish is rich in both protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Canned fish like anchovies, salmon, sardines and tuna can be used in sandwiches for lunch and main dishes. If the nearest store is offering promotions or discounts, buy dozens of cans that have a long shelf life.
- Canned vegetables – Vegetables like carrots, corn, green beans and peas are full of fiber and vitamin C.
- Disinfectant cleaners
- Dried fruit – Dried fruit is another source of essential nutrients. Use dried fruit as toppings for cereal, oatmeal and yogurt. Alternatively, you can bake with dried fruit for a much-needed sweet treat during the lockdown.
- Dry foods (e.g., pasta and rice)
- Flour
- Hand sanitizer
- Lysol wipes
- Meat
- Paper plates
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Vitamin C supplements
If your area doesn’t enforce a second lockdown, you can still use these items in your stockpile for the next long-term SHTF scenario.
Start replenishing your supplies immediately. Don’t buy these things all at once so you don’t use up too much of your funds. If your tools and appliances need some repairs, get them taken care of before the next lockdown takes effect.
Prepare your family before SHTF again
Make sure your family members are better prepared for another lockdown. Note how your family behaved during the first lockdown, and see if any of them had trouble dealing with the changes, such as not being allowed to come and go as they please.
If a loved one was depressed, anxious, or feeling lonely during the initial lockdown, talk to them in private and let them know that their feelings are valid, particularly during times of dramatic change.
Teach them that being prepared for a second lockdown is one way of helping themselves move past these feelings and accomplish the things that must be done for the survival of your whole family.
Monitor the news and get your family used to the possibility of another lockdown. You don’t need to scare them, but make it known that they should be ready for whatever happens in the next few weeks.
Visit Preparedness.news for more tips on how to get ready before the second wave of coronavirus hits the country.
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