If you were to sit and reflect on the last 6 months, what have we learned?

Do you remember in March when everyone was completely crazy about stocking up on toilet paper supplies? People were lined up outside of Costco waiting for them to open and racing to the back of the store in the hopes of grabbing a package of that precious commodity, most often leaving the store empty-handed. Even more ridiculous were the scenes of people jumping into semi-trucks as they were arriving to unload stock at the grocery stores.

Fears arose as we watched places like Italy and certain states in the US where people could not leave their homes for extended periods of time. Would this happen to us as well? Reports arose suggesting that we could be placed on lockdown for two or more weeks, and not allowed to leave our homes at all.

The shelves in the grocery stores became depleted. Foods were rationed. People stockpiled.

News stories broke out showing people fighting over groceries, and yes, even toilet paper.

If all of this happened because of a virus which 98.00% people have recovered from, and from the fears, the media has placed on the majority of the people, what should we expect should there be a “second wave” as they are predicting this fall?

While many places were stating there were food shortages over COVID-19, farmers were dumping milk and vegetables. Why? As a result of many being laid off due to COVID-19 and no immediate plan in place to replace income, many could not afford things like milk and vegetables. Shelves were emptied of the necessities and basic canned goods, and those items were more like luxuries.

In April the National Observer reported that “….there is a global food crisis building on the horizon, and we have precious little time to act in order to prevent devastation.”

Foreign Policy echoed the same sentiments.

As we continue to watch and wait for a possible second wave, and without instilling fear, since we have had enough of that, what are your plans?

Should any type of crisis occur, what contingency plans do you have in place for electricity, food, heat, water, and fuel?

With what we have seen recently, it certainly would make good sense to have a supply of those items, just in case.

So, how much do you need? I am sure we have all watched an episode of a “prepper” show, and while most preppers have at least a year’s worth of food storage, we would suggest at least enough for a few weeks and even enough for up to 90 days to be safe.

Sites like https://www.canadianpreparedness.com/ offer all that you might need to be completely prepped, however, it is best to at least start stocking up on your basics.

Should your power go out for an extended period, what contingency plan do you have? A generator or a basic solar system to run things like your fridge, recharge your cell phone, and power your computer is extremely important.

When you go grocery shopping and you see certain items that you buy on sale, buy extra if it is something that can be stored. If canned foods are on sale, buy a few more cans than you usually would, and find a spot in your home to store these items. A plastic four-shelf system that can be bought at Walmart or Home Depot is a good way to start. You will see how quickly your shelves will become stocked if you do this regularly.

Budget your food supplies according to how many family members you have. Start out by deciding what 1 person would need daily and then multiply from there. Be sure to include items such as toiletries, any medical supplies including first aid supplies and medications that are needed if possible. Make sure to include water.

Should a situation arise where you are not able to get to a drug store, what things must those in your family take? Think of things like insulin, heart medications etc., always taking into consideration expiration dates. If you are not able to fill these prescriptions in advance, see if you are able to fill anything online. Most often they will take a scan of the prescription via e-mail or online submission. Make a copy or take a photo when you are prescribed these items as your pharmacist will take the prescription paperwork when you submit it at the pharmacy.

While becoming prepared may seem daunting at first, you will see how quickly you can build up your basic supplies, and how by doing this you will feel more confident and prepared for whatever may come along.