You almost certainly will not contract coronavirus, and that’s not why you should be FREAKING OUT about coronavirus. Let’s talk supply chains. (Or just scroll down for a shopping list.)
Coronavirus is already disrupting supply chains.
Apple announced supply chain issues, but that’s not a real concern except for the stock market (more on that, later)
America is completely dependent on China for prescription medication:
- Last month, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission held a hearing on the United States’ growing reliance on China’s pharmaceutical products. The topic reminded me of a spirited discussion described in Bob Woodward’s book, Fear: Trump in the White House. In the discussion, Gary Cohn, then chief economic advisor to President Trump, argued against a trade war with China by invoking a Department of Commerce study that found that 97 percent of all antibiotics in the United States came from China. “If you’re the Chinese and you want to really just destroy us, just stop sending us antibiotics,” he said.
The source for that story is the CFR, which now looks pretty stupid. Their argument was that American should remain dependent on China. Big mistake.
Even if that 97% number is hysterical, the “real” number is high.
Yes, you’re going to see a shortage of prescription medication. (Although India may end up saving the day.)
What happens if thousands of truck drivers get the flu?
Your well-stocked grocery store’s most important area is “shipping and receiving.” You may have never seen this area unless you worked in retail. Each day dozens or more trailers of food arrive. These are brought to you by your friendly neighborhood truck drivers.
Without these daily deliveries, your shopping center 36 hours of food if a run on the store happens.
There was already a truck driver shortage, although this issue has been mitigated and new drivers can be trained relatively quickly.
In the short term, a food shortage is probable.
It won’t be a “Mad Max” scenario, but you may be forced to go days without a food resupply.
(Shelves in Italian cities are already empty.)
Supermarket shelves have been emptied in Milan, as residents stockpile food and supplies ahead of a government-enforced #coronavirus quarantine.
A dozen towns in Italy are in lockdown as authorities race to contain #COVID19 in Europe.
Read more here: https://t.co/6Zht40T43s pic.twitter.com/R2BhgvvDUk
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 24, 2020
Shopping List for Coronavirus Prepping.
Think conceptually for a moment. If there’s a food shortage, you’re not going to be worried about your supply of reverse-seared rib eye. (Power outrages may mean such food would spoil.)
- Big picture: You want cheap calories that are easy to store.
We have about 100 pounds of dry rice, which you can buy at Costco in the Mexican food section. It’s on the bottom shelf.
We also have dry oats, lentils, and canned tuna.
You’ll need water to reconstitute the dry goods, and you should have a 72 hour supply of water anyway.
Food list:
- 50 pound bag of dry rice for every 3 people
- 20 pound bag of dried lentil
- 50 gallons of water
- Spices for cooking
- Coconut oil
Bonuses / extras:
If you have a propane grill, get an extra tank. You’ll be able to cook all of your food over a propane grill.
Mophie / charging batteries for your electronic devices. If there’s a power outage, you’ll need to be able to obtain access to information, and unless cell towers go out, too, your phone will suffice. Keep it charged with one of those portable power units. (I use this one.)
High lumens flashlight. Forget the Rambo fantasies. Most people don’t need an AR-15. You need a tactical flashlight. I recommend this one.
A high lumens flashlight will short-term blind an attacker.
I carry a high-lumens pen flashlight to every event.
A violent person who gets flashed in the eyes will be stunned momentarily.
This is a pretty good video showing that a flashlight is capable of much more than you imagined.
Do you need a generator for Coronavirus?
I don’t consider a generator a “must-have” unless you’re in a rural environment.
If you have the space and budget for one, a generator is a good buy.
In other words, a generator is a nice to have.
If you get a gas or diesel generator, you’ll need to store fuel. Fuel storage can present a storage hazard.
If you’re thinking about getting a generator, please do your homework.
Solar Vs Gas Generators for Prepping and Survival | Inergy Apex
Should you be “Freaking Out” About Coronavirus.
Yes. Yes you absolutely should be.
I want you to FREAK OUT about coronavirus, but my definition of that is limited to
- Buy some inexpensive dry goods; pet food; store some water.
- Get a Rx filled in advance.
- Buy some protein / Outright bars.
- If you run a biz, tighten belts.
- Maybe a generator.
- Don’t buy into the Buy Gold / Mad Max nonsense.
Coronavirus Prepping vs. Hardcore Prepping
A lot of hardcore preppers will find this article and start nit-picking it, and they’ll be blocked.
This article isn’t for people who get decked out in 5.11 tacticool wear, open carry AR-15’s (even though that’s your right) and who hope the world ends because somehow they will do better in a Zombieworld. Trust me, the current timeline is as good as it gets.
Normal, professional people need to be prepared for Coronavirus.
There are some wonderful videos by normal, sane people on food storage and prepping.
You need to be ready.
If you want to go deeper in this world, check out Guildbrook Farm – Simple Sustainable Living.
Using Mylar Bags for Food Storage
What’s your best Coronavirus prepping tip?
Post a comment below!
