Few Americans, except perhaps dedicated preppers, were prepared for the outbreak of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in mid-March and the resulting shutdown of businesses, schools and basically life in general.

Those who live along the Gulf Coast know to be ready when hurricane season approaches, such as Tropical Storm Sally, heading toward New Orleans, La., and Mississippi, as of Sept. 14.

Those living along the West Coast know the dangers of earthquakes and deadly wildfires, as we are seeing now in daily news broadcasts.

Anyone who lives in the northern parts of this country is familiar with the dangers of and disruptions caused by major snow storms and power outages.

These natural disasters, plus terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on 9/11, and active shooters in businesses, schools or shopping centers create social disorder and chaos, both locally or across the nation.

There are, however, general steps that can be taken before a disaster occurs.

National Preparedness Month, promoted each September, emphasizes family and community disaster planning.

This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”

The first step, according to the National Preparedness Month website, is making a plan. Let family and friends know how you will communicate before, during and after a disaster.

The second step, and what I consider the most important, is putting together a disaster kit.

We all know the shortages of much-needed supplies created in stores by COVID-19. For some reason, I still can’t fathom, the first to go was toilet paper. The next were disinfecting products.

On Aug. 10, then Clorox Company CEO-elect Linda Rendle made the following statement:

“Since January, we’re able to make 100 million more disinfecting products than we did before. That’s a 50-percent increase,” Rendle told “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts. “And specific to wipes, we’re making nearly 1 million packages of wipes every single day and shipping them to stores.”

Shelves in some local stores are barely replenished, and other stores are still limiting the amount of items that can be purchased.

The kit should include enough water, food and medications, both prescription and nonprescription, for humans and pets to last for several days or, perhaps, weeks.

Items in the “to-go” bag should be placed in airtight plastic bags and then in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles in case of being stranded.

Larger supplies of canned goods, toilet paper, water and cleaning items should be stored in a cool, dry and safe location.

According to the ready.gov website, a basic emergency supply kit could include the following.

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)

• Food (at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food)

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Flashlight

• First-aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener for food

• Local maps

• Cellphone with chargers and a backup battery

To the list, I would add money. Prices rise on all items during an emergency.

Money that has been set aside in an easy-to-reach location may be needed to survive when jobs are lost, for hotel rooms during an evacuation or food when the transportation system to stores breaks down.

In addition, since the COVID-19 outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the following items.

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone age 2 and older), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

• Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Personal hygiene items

• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

• Paper and pencil

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

No one knows what the next disaster will be. If a virus hit us in March, the next could be a bacteria, prion or the 7-foot-long asteroid known as 2018 VP1 that will be coming all too close to planet Earth Nov. 2.

Whatever the danger, nothing is lost by preparing and stockpiling ahead of time for a potential disaster. And, if nothing happens, an added benefit is you won’t have to buy toilet paper for the next 10 years.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press