So it’s happening. The likelihood of us being home with our families for a few days/weeks is becoming more realistic. I’m not a medical professional, so I can’t speak to the severity of the Corona Virus. But I will say WASH YOUR DAMN HANDS! If you’ve been to the store for toilet tissue or disinfectant products in the past few days, then you know that options are few. It’s time to be proactive & prepare for the possibility of being “quarantined” at home, here’s what you need to stock up on:

Food

Aim for non perishables, meats and other items that can be frozen. Foods that need little to no cooking are the best for these types of situations. Staples like rice, beans, soups, broths and stews, fruit juices, vegetables, canned (or powdered) milk are great choices. Bread, cereals, ramen noodles ( I know, I know lol) can help too.

Be sure to grab some bottle water and choice electrolytes if you don’t have a filtered water system in your home. Don’t forget the fur babies because they’ll need dog or cat food as well.

Medicine

Of course you want to make sure that any prescription meds have been filled. For us this means making sure that we aren’t running low on any of Zoe’s asthma meds.

You want to make sure you have a small batch over-the-counter things like pain relievers, upset stomach remedies, cough & cold medicines and multivitamins.

Household Supplies

Everyone keeps asking why toilet paper is selling out? If you’re quarantined at home for a week or more and run out of toilet paper, it can become a crap situation very quickly. That’s why everyone is buying toilet paper.

In addition to toilet paper, you want to have, paper towels/napkins, cleaning products, trash bags and laundry detergent. Of course disinfectant and hand soaps are a must have. Feminine hygiene products, diapers & wipes (if you have a baby) are necessary too. If you don’t already have a first aid kit, this would be a good time to pick up one of those as well.

I suggest making an online order, if you’re not down to your last few items a small delay won’t hurt. Try Amazon, Sams or Thrive Marketplace for your online needs.

Note: most Walmarts and Targets are sold out of these things so shop stores like the Dollar Tree, Staples, Office Depot, Lowes, Home Depot, small chain grocery stores and even your local gas station. **Gas prices are dropping so go ahead and top off your tanks too.

Non-Essential Essentials

Here are a few things that you don’t need but will make your time at home a little more pleasant; especially if you have kids. Playing cards (standard and Uno), board games, crayons, construction/drawing paper, toy blocks/legos and puzzles.

I hope this lists helps you as you prepare. Don’t panic while you are out grabbing essentials and try not to allow yourself to be overcome with fear. Remember to be kind, if you grab the last two packs of tissue and you see someone else looking, hand them one. Stay safe friends!