While Covid-19 poses a risk and threat to nearly all of us, new research suggests those who live alone may face additional psychological challenges under lock-down including anxiety and uneasiness. (see: https://www.sciencenews.org/
In fact as one researcher puts it:
“[F]or some people, a lack of social connectedness feels as impactful as not eating,” – Joshua Morganstein, a psychiatrist and disaster mental health expert at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md.
For those of us who do live alone, while human connection unfortunately remains inadvisable given CDC guidelines, there still is something we can do to reduce disaster-related anxiety: be prepared.
That’s right, being prepared for some of the challenges that a pandemic can create (food shortages, changing advisories, the threat of death or serious illness) can be crucial in reducing the amount of stress related or induced by the disaster itself, as the very act of being prepared restores a psychological degree of control.
This lends itself to a crucial and important question of how should one prepare for future challenges the pandemic may bring forward, and after much deliberation, our team believes that if you are already prepared to shelter in place (you have food and other necessities for the long haul) having an emergency survival kit on hand for travel (in case sheltering in place becomes impossible) is the next logical step in being prepared for anything.
What should be in a potential get-away bag? That one is easy:
(Photo via Outbreak Provisions)
Consider this one-person emergency survival kit from disaster prep vendor Outbreak Provisions
The kit includes the following:
Food and Water: The food and water in this kit have a 5-year shelf life, and are meant to provide nutrition for 72 hours.
12 — 4 oz. Water Pouches
6 — 400-Calorie Food Bars (2400 Calories)
10 — Water Purification Tablets – each tablet purifies 1 liter of water
1-Liter Hydration Bag with Straw
*This kit provides 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, as recommended by FEMA.
Light and Communication: These items can come in handy if you experience a home power outage, car trouble, or other emergency.
AM/FM Radio (batteries included)
Hand Rechargeable Flashlight (never needs batteries)
Emergency Candle
Emergency Bright Stick
5-in-1 Survival Whistle
Box of Waterproof Matches
Shelter and Warmth: These supplies will protect you from wind, sun, rain, and other harsh conditions.
Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag
Body Warmer
Emergency Tube Tent with Rope
Emergency Poncho with Hood
Tools: These items can be useful when you need help with navigation, transport, personal protection, or shelter.
Multi-Function Pocket Knife
Pair of Leather-Palm Work Gloves
N95 Respirator Dust Mask (NIOSH-approved)
50 Feet of Nylon Rope
Safety Goggles
Sewing Kit
Hygiene and Sanitation: Hygiene is important in a disaster; staying clean can protect against infection, disease, and depression.
Deluxe Hygiene Kit
-Tooth Brush
-Tooth Paste
-Wet Wipes
-Soap
-Shampoo/Conditioner
-Toothpick
-Disposable Razor
-Comb
-Sanitary Napkins
-Washcloth
-Shave Cream
-Deodorant Gel
-Hand/Body Lotion
-Pocket Tissues
First Aid: A first aid kit can be used to treat minor injuries and protect against more serious health threats in a disaster.
Deluxe First Aid Kit – a combination of bandages/gauze, topical ointments, medicine, and other first aid items to assist with a variety of injuries
Other: These items are useful for relieving stress and supporting activity under challenging conditions.
Notepad
Golf Pencil
Infectious-Waste Bag
Survival Playing Cards – 52 cards illustrating valuable survival skills that will educate and entertain you in an emergency
As you can see, this kit is pretty comprehensive in including anything you may need to rough it on the road for a few days in the event essential travel infrastructure starts to break down (which it could!).
Hopefully you will consider learning more about your emergency preparedness options, and that in doing so you will gain some much needed peace of mind- whether you live alone, or you have a family to provide and take care of (if you are looking for survival solutions for your family, please see: https://dailycaller.com/2020/03/22/stronger-together-heres-how-you-can-help-protect-your-family-and-close-friends/ )
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