Pandemic Prep…Auto Kit

Auto kit?  You may be asking what a car kit has to do with a pandemic so let me explain. There may be a time, whether it be this fall or in the future, when you become concerned about a pandemic virus which has appeared as a new threat. You may not be ready to quarantine but may still wish to take all the precautions you can to keep your family safe.

It’s time to think about your routine each day and where you may be exposed to the virus. You may stop at the store, the gas station, a fast food restaurant, the bank or ATM machine,  and even attend Church, to name a few. Naturally you will already have eliminated trips that are not absolutely necessary. Now that we know the places we may be exposed we can create a kit to help us prevent illness.

We will eliminate eating out. Any time you consume food prepared by anyone other than yourself you can become the victim of exposure during those days when the food service worker is not aware they are contagious. The first item for our auto kit is food. Extended self life energy bars are great for a quick snack for both adults and the kids. If you store foods that have a short shelf life be sure to rotate them often.

Along with food we will want to store water, just in case you or the kids become thirsty. Water in mylar pouches, designed with a five year shelf life are great.

Hand sanitizer is a must have. Upon leaving a store, gas station or any place you may have touched a contaminated surface sanitize your hands. Also sanitize after shaking hands. Be sure to sanitize your wrists as well.

Disinfectant is the next item to add. Before you reach for that gas pump or ATM machine, grab a disinfectant wipe and wipe it down. Remember to give the liquid a chance to evaporate and do it’s job before touching the pump. Disinfect door handles and shopping carts before touching.

N 95 masks. Should you have to visit the doctor’s office, a clinic, or the hospital or should you have to ride public transportation or pick up a friend at the airport, you will need to wear a mask.

Medical gloves are much better than disinfectant wipes as there is no way to use them improperly. Have them available to wear whenever you will be touching a surface you suspect may be contaminated. When removing gloves begin at the wrist and remove them inside out. Try not to touch the outside surface.

Large plastic zip lock bags. If you should wear gloves or a mask place them in a plastic bag and zip it closed so it can be disposed of in the trash as soon as you get home.

Cash. Keep a small amount of cash on hand for emergencies so a trip to an ATM doesn’t become a necessity.

All these items are great to have on hand for all kinds of emergencies so get them into your car(s) now.

2 Responses to “Pandemic Prep…Auto Kit”

1. Carol Ann Shepherd says:

   July 2, 2009 at 7:06 am

   I have read that it is not safe to store plastic bottles of water in the trunk of your car in the heat. I noticed that you recommended mylar packaged water to store in the trunk. Please comment.
2. Pandemic 3 says:

   July 15, 2009 at 12:09 am

   I sure hope another Pandemic does not hit our world again. I can’t bear to see that many people die!! Hopefully it will stay out of the US again.