Reported COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are reaching over 150,000 a day in the last part of 2020, according to the CDC. A vaccine has been recently authorized by the FDA, and the first to get inoculated will be frontline medical professionals and seniors in assisted living homes. While the introduction of a vaccine is a bit of much-needed good news, it could be summer 2021 or later until it’s available to the general public. Because of the spike in reported cases that doesn’t seem to be getting better any time soon, some are speculating that we could see increased restrictions like a national mask-wearing mandate and nationwide lockdowns. The possibility of these lockdowns are very real, and if you’re not prepared for them, it could get spell trouble for you and your family.

What to Expect: Store Shortages

Earlier this year, we warned that supermarkets could be seeing a shortage of many products, not just toilet paper and disinfectant wipes. Sure enough, we were right, as stores throughout the country placed limits on paper products and other essentials. While 2020 has been one of the worst years in recent memory, 2021 isn’t shaping up to be all that much better. While what’s out of our control and could happen is worrisome, we can control how we prepare for what could be coming at us. We highly recommend against panic buying, because that harms communities and others around us. But it never hurts to add a few of the following each time you head out to a store: Stock Up On These Essentials

• Face Masks (Can never have too many)
• Canned goods (They last a long time)
• Spices
• Meats like chicken, beef, etc. You can freeze packaged meats for up to 3 months.
• Paper products (Please be considerate of others)

As a potential lockdown looms this winter, there are items that are in stock at the moment but could be at risk. These include:

• Bacon, pepperoni and other pork products
• Sodas (the holidays are a good time to cut back anyway)
• Snacks like Goldfish crackers, tortilla chips and cheese curls
• Painkillers like acetaminophen
• Cough syrup and other cold medicine

Don’t Forget the Essentials

We have been saying this for about 15 years, but stock up on as much water as you can manage. This means a gallon of water per person, per day - for cooking, hygiene, and of course - drinking. The Red Cross and FEMA recommend that you have enough emergency supplies for everyone in your household for two weeks. Disinfecting supplies are already in short stock, but that could worsen in the upcoming months. If you run out of cleaning and disinfectant supplies, here’s our handy guide on how to make your own.

Get Peace of Mind With More Prepared

While a third wave of COVID-19 cases is worrying, you can relieve some of the stress and anxiety by stocking up as much as you can. More Prepared carries high-quality emergency supplies, long-term food and water storage, and survival kits for 1-4 people. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We all hope the worst parts are over, but with continued uncertainty, the time is now to prepare yourself.