With coronavirus spreading worldwide, many people are starting to prepare an emergency kit just in case. Experts warn against panic buying and hoarding supplies and food, as this is not helpful for your wider community and yourself, but the things that are recommended to purchase just in case are.
- Prescription medicine
If anyone in your household requires daily medication, make sure you have 2-4 weeks supply inside of your house.
- Make sure your first aid kit is fully set
In any case of an accident you may need paracetamol, band-aids, antiseptic or bandages.
- Pantry staples
Check that you have the usual things you rely on for cooking, such as oil, tomato paste, flour, yeast (if you plan on making bread), sugar, salt, herbs. Make sure you have enough spreads such as peanut butter and jam and if you are a tea or coffee drinker make sure you have a supply of at least 14 days.
- Pasta, rice and noodles
These can be used as a base for most meals. Around 250 grams of pasta can feed four people as one meal. So, figure out how much pasta, rice and noodles you will eat through in two weeks and buy accordingly.
- Canned foods
Non-perishable food is a must in any pantry or emergency kit. So, having cans of fish, fruits, vegetables and lentils are a huge must. These foods can be added to almost any meal; Lentils for a meat-less protein hit, fruit to go on cereal, add fish to any pasta or rice dish. Plus, you can make almost anything with a can of tomatoes.
- Frozen vegetables
Vegetables such as corn, spinach, broccoli plus any fruits are accessible and nutritious as well as keeping you having your 5+ a day during the two weeks. If you’re staying home for two weeks don’t plan on getting someone to drop off fresh produce, frozen will be fine.
- If there is an egg in the house you have a meal …
As the saying goes! Eggs can keep for two weeks, and you have endless amounts of options to make including custards, omelettes, frittatas, baking, poached on toast, etc.
- Dried soup mixes
These are easy ready-made meals; especially if you’re feeling unwell or don’t have an appetite. You can add fresh or frozen vegies or cooked meats to make them more nutritious and delicious.
- Healthy snacks your family is familiar with
Snacks like popcorn, dried fruits, muesli bars, nuts and crackers will keep everyone happy and fight the urge of going to the shops in a hunger strike.
- Oats and wholegrain cereals
These are a healthy option for breakfast but can be used in baking as well.
- Buy enough bread
This could be to make toast or sandwiches. You can keep loaves in the freezer so they don’t go off. If you have a breadmaker this is the time to whip that baby out.
- Keep your fridge stocked
Make sure you keep your fridge stocked with the usual things you keep in your house, such as milk, butter and spreads. These can all be kept in the freezer until needed. Vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage will last two weeks, but sprouts and salads will have to be eaten in the first week.
- Potato, kumara and pumpkin
These will all last the two weeks if uncut.
- Pet food
If you own a pet, make sure you have sufficient dry and wet food for at least two weeks.
- For the bathroom
Make sure you have enough soap for the whole family to wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet, coughing, sneezing etc. Also, family members need to wash their hand before every meal. Doctors are suggesting getting a supply of paper towels as these are a disposable item and will help stop the spread of germs by sharing a handtowel. Family members are told that for one week each member will only need two rolls at most and if you also buy tissues to sneeze/cough into the use of toilet paper will decrease too.
- You need household cleaners
Things like laundry powder, dishwashing liquid, bleach and disinfectant. It is advised people don’t share utensils and to wash them before they are put into the dishwasher. People are also advised they don’t share towels and linen so you must keep up the hot washes. As there will be more people in the house as normal, you will need extra supplies. Double up on your weekly shop and that should be sufficient.
Are you going to make an emergency kit?
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Written by Sophia Ivory
Curly hair and she don’t care, this stylish babe plays by her own rules. With a love for dance and all things body positive, you’ll usually find her searching out the latest fashion trends and digging through local thrift stores. Word of warning, don’t bring your dachshund around her, she’ll want to keep it.
Check out her Instagram for all things goals! @sophiaivory
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