As we approach month five since the coronavirus outbreak hit America, many of us might have difficulty remembering what it was like before quarantine and social distancing. With a vaccine looking like it will be coming by the end of 2020 at best, it’s time to dig in for the long haul. The time to prepare for the worst has passed, but there is still time to increase your preparedness to ensure you and your family will survive.

Overloaded Emergency Systems

Federal, state, and local emergency systems have been burning the candle at both ends to try and flatten the curve, and deal with the coronavirus. While this seems to have improved slightly with parts of the country slowly opening back up, we most certainly aren’t out of the weeds yet. A second wave of the virus has already hit Asia, and it could very well get worse here in the U.S. - especially in some southern states that have seen spikes. With these government resources already maxed out, dealing with hurricane season or another natural disaster this fall could be catastrophic. The good news is, you are reading our blog - and so you’re already prepared! Here are five more ways to stay prepared and not have to rely on anyone else during the continued pandemic and possible disasters.

Ways to Stay Prepared - Products to Buy in Stores

With many stores finally restocking shelves on essential items, now is the time to stock up and double down on items that could leave shelves again if a natural disaster strikes. Those include

• Non-perishable food and water for at least a week
• Antibacterial soap and wipes
• Laundry detergent
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper products
• Cleaning products with antibacterial ingredients
• Personal hygiene products
• First aid kits
• Blankets
• Extra clothing
• Flashlights and lanterns with extra batteries
• Hand crank radios
• Tents and sleeping bags

With masks required in many businesses and local areas, it’s not looking like we will stop wearing them any time soon. While many stores are selling them now, More Prepared offers a wide variety of masks delivered right to your door.

Develop Survival Skills

Many of us are still quarantining, so what better way to pass the time than learn some survival skills? And if you can get the family involved, all the better! Here are some highly useful survival skills to consider developing that you’ll be thankful you learned:

• Canning, salting and pickling food for long term storage
• Building a fire with no matches or lighter
• Building a shelter in the wilderness
• Using cast iron cookware to cook on an open fire
• Spotting wild edible plants in your area
• Finding and purifying water
• Basic medical knowledge (dressing a wound, wrapping a broken bone, etc.)

We’re All in this Together

While it can seem scary living through a pandemic and a natural disaster simultaneously, these helpful tips can help ease your mind and help you and your family survive. Stay safe, practice social distancing, and wash your hands!