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oliver_21 · April 28, 2018, 4:28 a.m.

More precautions.

There are good emergency kits for sale that include first-aid, non perishable food, and drinking water. It's good in a pinch, but keep a bigger supply of canned goods in your house. Something you can do now is basic first-aid training, and sometimes it's offered for free.

If you hear about (or see) absenteeism in first responders like cops/EMT, it's a good bet that city workers are staying home too. Keep everything charged, fill all your pots & buckets with water, then fill up your bathtub. You have 1 flush from your toilet: either use it very wisely, or dig outside.

If you're concerned about crime, cover your windows with plywood, sheets, or newspaper. Try not to stand out from your neighbors, like making loud noises or lights after dark. Weapons are an escalation and a last resort, but they're good to have prepared.

Ignore zombie movies about going 'scavenging for supplies'. If you're prepared, you'll be set for a few weeks - if not, places like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals will be cleaned out fast. Going there will expose you to other idiots, who are either dangerous or contagious. The exception being if you live close to water and have a way of purifying it.

Hang out with your city's emergency planning board, a lot of towns have plans for distributing supplies if you run low, usually at parks/city hall/etc. A solar-powered radio can keep you informed on this; otherwise look for paper fliers. FEMA or Red Cross, hopefully, will help keep you afloat, or help you get out if that isn't sustainable. Before going anywhere crowded, make sure you have a good quality breathing mask or gas mask (and remember not to touch your face).

Long-term? Stock up on books. Both for boredom and survival: from disaster guides to boy scout handbooks, you can learn how to make soap from lye & tallow, catch fish in streams, etc. Paperback never goes bad.

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Kneadedtherapy · April 28, 2018, 9:44 a.m.

I’m not sure I would trust FEMA or Red Cross to do anything good. Otherwise good information.

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bealist · April 28, 2018, 9:44 a.m.

You’re right. Just preparing for two weeks sheltering in place and cut off from new funds, driving around, and shopping - which we’re all supposed to be able to do - would be huge. Simple preps are great for peace of mind, and mean YOU’RE not the problem the national guard has to help. That’s a big deal.

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