As news of the coronavirus spreads around the world and cases continue to rise all over the United States and Latin America, health officials are advising citizens to stay home if possible. Other countries like China and Italy have extended a quarantine in their countries, allowing citizens to leave their homes only if necessary to buy supplies or food. The US has not reached those levels yet, but in case it does happen or just to be safe, it is best that we make sure that our homes are protected and fully stocked with anything we and our families might need in case the government does enforce a quarantine.
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It is always better to be safe than sorry in situations like these, and buying food, tools, and medicine that can be used beyond this outbreak is the key. While fresh fruit and vegetables are also a must-have, buying prepackaged food that can remain fresh for longer periods of time will be beneficial for you and your loved ones. There's no need to panic, but it would be smart to make sure you have all that you need, just in case, so that you don't have to worry in the future.
Experts are recommending that people have enough food and drinks to last between 15 days to a month, especially drinkable water. Scroll through for a checklist of what to buy to be sure that your family has plenty to eat, snacks, and any tools and supplies you might need in case of an emergency.
Stock up on any medicine anyone might need.
If there is anyone in your family, or yourself, who requires a daily prescription, it's important to make sure you call the pharmacy and stock up on the medicine in advance. It is vital that you make this a priority in case there is a shortage or you aren't able to make it to a pharmacy in the future.
Rice is a must-have.
Rice is already a hot item to have in any Latino home but more so in situations like these. A pot of rice can feed a lot of people, and it can be a quick side to go with any meal. Buy a few large bags to keep in your pantry, and they will go a long way.
Canned goods are lifesavers.
Fresh vegetables are usually a go-to in most households, but at times like these, canned goods will come in handy. You can buy beans, soups, vegetables, tuna, and many other foods that can help you prepare good and hearty meals for your crew, quickly and in a hurry.
Pasta and noodles will be helpful.
Not only are they filling, but they will also remain fresh in your pantry for long periods of time. Pasta is easy to make, is loved by many, and can be used in plenty of quick and easy recipes.
Think of nutritious foods that your kids love.
Peanut butter is a must-have item to keep in your pantry at this time. Whether you use it in sandwiches with jelly or bananas or as a dip with fresh apples, your kids will thank you for adding it to your grocery list.
Nuts are healthy and filling snacks.
Grab bags of almonds, peanuts, and cashews and keep them stocked in your kitchen so you can enjoy a handful of them as a snack or as part of a salad. These are also crunchy snacks that you and your family can enjoy while watching movies or TV.
Cereals are a quick breakfast idea.
Buy a variety of cereals that you and your kids enjoy and you will be prepared for breakfasts for weeks to come. Pair cereal with milk or yogurt or eat it on its own. Cereals are filling foods that everyone can enjoy.
Remember to buy enough milk.
If you have small children in your home, you need to make sure you have enough milk. Regular milk tends to have a shorter expiration date than alternative milks like almond, soy, or oat. Even if your family prefers cow's milk, this might be the time to make the switch.
Bottled water should be among the most important purchases.
It's important to have gallons or bottles of water at the ready. You could be spending much more time at home than usual, so make sure to have enough for everyone in the household. Buying a water filter might also be a good idea for a time like this one.
Buy as much baby food as possible.
In case you aren't able to get fresh produce, make sure your baby has options for what they can eat ready at home. Baby food is essential and can replace their meals, and it will stay fresh for longer periods of time. You can also prepare larger batches of food for your baby, like soups and fruits, and freeze them for future use.
Don't forget your pets have needs, too.
If you have any pets at home like cats or dogs, make sure you think about them, too. You should have plenty of food, litter, and anything else they need in case you can't go outside for long periods of time. If they take medicine, call your veterinarian to get a prescription for them that will last longer than usual.
Make sure you have enough space for frozen food.
Frozen food like fruits, vegetables, and other easy-to-make meals like pizza need to be stored away in a freezer. It is bound to fill up your freezer, so if possible, have another freezer handy to help you store all that you need–especially if you have a large family.
Cleaning supplies are so important.
Bleach, all-purpose cleaners, gloves, paper towels, wipes, and any other cleaning products you usually use should be fully stocked right now. Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are cleaned daily with disinfectants, and buy plenty of soap to ensure that everyone is protected.
Laundry detergent is key.
In the event of a quarantine, any clothing that you wear outside needs to be washed immediately. Laundry detergent removes the virus from your clothes if you come in contact with it, and anyone in your home who is sick should wash all of their clothes, sheets, towels, etc. to avoid the spread of their germs to others.
Have enough feminine products to last you a while.
Don't forget our womanly needs! This might be something we easily forget when we're thinking of our family, but pads, tampons, and other feminine products should be stocked in your bathroom for you or in case you have daughters and other ladies in your home. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Toilet paper seems to be selling out fast.
For some reason, supermarkets have been quickly running out of toilet paper. Make sure your family isn't left without and buy a large pack with enough to cover you and your loved ones since everyone will be spending so much time at home.
Buy a large supply of diapers.
You can't go wrong with overestimating how many diapers your baby might need in this sort of situation. It's better to have too many rather than not enough, so add a few boxes to your cart before you check out.
Some board games and activities will be useful.
This is a time that the whole family will be able to spend time together, even if it is by force during a bad situation. Keep everyone entertained with board games and other activities, like dominoes and card games so that you don't have to rely solely on technology to kill time.
Make sure to get enough reading material to get you through.
If the kids are off from school, they are going to need some sort of activity to keep their brains engaged. Head to the library and check out reading material for you and your loved ones, or download some to your tablets for easy reading.
Keep some emergency supplies handy.
You never truly know what can happen, so keep some flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, and matches handy. It's hard to say if this will be needed, but it's best to stay prepared no matter what.
