My friends know that I love watching disaster movies over and over again. As I watch them, I always think, “What would I have done differently to survive this event? What survival gear would I need?”
When the pandemic began, I decided to watch one of my favorites, Contagion. I took careful note of how life was interrupted: cities on lockdown, people panic buying, increased violence, shortages of food and other basic supplies, lack of police, sanitation and medical services, and lack of information to the public.
Sound familiar? Yes, the Hollywood was fictional, but sometimes they do get it close.
Before The Panic
Before covid hit my state of Florida, I began purchasing my supplies including surgical masks, face shields, disinfectants, hand sanitizers, soaps, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, and of course, toilet paper and paper towels.
Can you imagine Amazon running out of Lysol, face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers? When that happened, that’s when I knew we were into some trouble!
When the panic buying finally hit my area, I was not running with the unprepared masses possibly spreading the virus. Instead, I was relaxing at home and thankful that I planned ahead.
In Another Part Of The World
South America was one of the last continents to report covid cases. I called my son, who lives in Bogota, Colombia, and warned him that what was happening in the US will happen there also and to start to get his supplies. I will always remember his reaction, asking me if I’m being a bit paranoid? But as a good son, he listened to his mother.
Not long after that, the first covid cases were reported in Colombia and the panic began. He was so thankful he was not running around like the rest of the mases risking exposure to the virus.
Lessons Learned
One thing is certain, that during a disaster, the ability to get supplies in becomes difficult. This is why it is so important that you stockpile your own emergency supplies and not have to wait for a handout to come to you. Being ready and self sufficient will reduce your fear, anxiety and you have control over your own safety and survival.
Be sure to check out my blogs dealing with building your own food pantry and your emergency 72-hour kit.
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