The recent virus outbreak pandemic has killed multitudes of people over the past few months. This airborne disease is now estimated to have even spread to parts of Europe and naturally, people all over the world are panicking.
Precaution is always better than a cure when it comes to dealing with virus outbreaks and it is vital that all of us follow basic precautions to keep us and our loved ones safe from this pandemic. The level of preparedness and the specific plans you make for protecting yourself from a virus outbreak will depend largely upon your location and whether you have a safe bug-out place to go to. The following guide is mainly for preppers and survivalists planning for a possible virus outbreak.
1. Analyze your situation
There are many variables to consider before bugging out in preparation for a virus outbreak.
- Do you live in a densely populated area?
- Is there a suitable location for you to retreat to?
- If you had to leave for the bug-out location, do you have access to food and water?
- Can you drive there or get there on foot?
- Do you have supplies that can last for at least a year?
- Can you pay your bills remotely?
- Is it possible for you to take time off work?
2. Get your family on board
Man is a social animal. No one can survive alone. It may be necessary for you to start a rational dialog with your family members about preparing for a virus outbreak. You may want to start thinking of ways to build your survival community. During the Plague in medieval Europe, many rich families survived because they left the city. So it is important that you start getting people on board your plan. You will need plenty of organization and planning but when you have many people with you; this task may become a lot easier. Come up with an evacuation plan for you and your family members.
3. Join online preppers groups
Keep an eye out for preppers nearby. You can also join online forums and preppers/survival groups. These will give you many tips about when and where to bug-out, a list of ammunition/food/medicines and other supplies to keep ready, as well as means of living frugally and in a self-reliant manner. You can also follow prepper/survival blogs.
4. Find property for bugging out
The best way to prepare for a virus outbreak is to ensure that you have a place you can go to, in order to escape contagious diseases. Talk to other preppers nearby so you are in on their plans. You should be careful as to whom you can trust as many preppers are quite secretive and non-trusting. It is best to form your own trustworthy community of preppers. If possible, meet up with fellow preppers several times. If they have a property for bug out, go and have a look at it if possible.
5. Prep your vehicle
The best vehicle to move to your bugging out location is a large RV or camper which can be loaded with food, water, medicines, and other necessities. Ensure enough fuel supply for the vehicle. Make sure you have maps to your bug out place. Note that, if needed, you might have to go there on foot.
6. Keep important supplies on hand/at the bug out location
The preppers groups will likely give you a list of items to stock up on. Here are some basics:
- Face masks
- Diapers, sanitary pads
- Batteries
- Basic medicines – pain killers, fever reducers, a few antibiotics, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, anti-emetics, anti-diarrhea medicines.
- Herbal medicines like garlic pills, turmeric pills, etc.
- Radio
- Flashlights (solar operated)
- Dehydrated food packs with long shelf life.
- Food cans and can openers
- Non-perishable Juices
- Long lasting snacks and high energy foods
- Electrolytes
- Pet food for pets
- Disposable gloves
- Bleach
- Soap
- Water filter, water containers
- Firearms – for extreme situations.
7. Take time off work/communicate with your kids’ schools
This can be a difficult part of survival preparedness but is necessary if you plan to bug out before things get worse. You could work out an arrangement with your boss where you can work from home or even consider starting an Internet-based business. At the very least, you may want to save up on your sick leaves. Accrue all your leaves so you can use them when the virus hits your city. This is in line with the fact that things will eventually get back to normal. Communicate with your children’s school as well.
8. Know when it is time to leave
It is important that you leave immediately when the virus strikes within 50 miles from your home. In most cases, the government would not give all of the information. After all; the government’s primary concern is to not cause panic. They certainly do not want people lining up in grocery stores and stocking up on water and food. As a result; they may install curfews, quarantines, and/ or roadblocks. Talk to friends and loved ones or fellow preppers and decide together if it is a good time to leave.
The rule about bugging out is that you should not wait too long. That would simply make you a target. Keep an eye on ATMs, gas pumps, and stores. If you find ATMs running out of cash, long lines at petrol pumps, and store supplies dwindling, then it may be time to leave. Keep your bags packed and prepare your loved ones for evacuation.
9. Know when to stay at home
If it is wintertime with heavy snowfall, it may be better to stay indoors at home instead of leaving for the bug-out location. Keep an eye on the news. It may be limited but you could get important updates about the current weather situation as well as the virus situation and also if it is safe to travel.
10. Follow basic precautions
- Wear N95 masks. It is the only mask that can block 95% of harmful microbes. Note that this mask is still not 100% effective against all kinds of pandemics.
- Stay away from sick people.
- Consider investing in hazmat suits for you and your family. They might look absurd but at least you will be safe.
- Whenever you get a chance, wash your hands with clean water and soap. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to eliminate germs. You can also use a hand sanitizer to clean your hands without water.
- Take high doses of vitamin C and herbal pills like turmeric, Echinacea, garlic, etc. These will help increase immunity.
- If a flu shot is available, get one for you and your loved ones.
Last but not the least; stay calm. Not all viruses are deadly and only a small percentage of people become seriously ill or require intensive care. By following the above steps, you can take care of your family and certainly lower your risk.