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The COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent quarantine or shelter in place instructions have many people concerned about shortages. The run on toilet paper and paper towels should be a good indicator of what challenges may arise as the nation works through the changes forced on us by the Corona virus.
Food and Water
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The American supply chain of food and water remains strong. However, it’s a good idea to reduce your trips to your local grocery as these stores can get over-crowded. It’s hard to maintain a healthy 6-foot ratio at the checkout line. Whenever possible, send one adult to the grocery store to reduce exposure and protect the health of your family. Lay in a stock of canned goods as well as fresh produce. Plan for multiple meals over the course of the week as well as healthy snacks. It’s a good idea to shop weekly. Get to the store when the doors open as it’s likely just been cleaned at that time. If your local tap water is generally drinkable, monitor local news for any changes in the quality of your water supply. Depending on your water needs, a countertop filtering tool may be a good investment.
Medications
Boost your intake of healthy foods and keep taking your Vitamins, particularly Vitamin C. If you have maintenance drugs that you need on a daily basis, make these products a priority for any errands you run. Review your stock of medications, both for family members and pets, and make sure you have at least 7 days of the products you need safely stored away.
Clothing
Two factors will have an impact on clothing stocks around the world. The closing of manufacturing facilities in the developing world will likely have an impact on both raw product and finished goods. However, sheltering in place will mean that few people will be visiting clothing stores in person. You may be able to get good deals right now. If you have kids who will need back to school clothes in the fall, check your email for coupons and consider cashing in on these bargains now. Order a size up, then carefully was and dry new garments and put them up until the fall.
Personal Hygiene Products
If funds are low, you’ll likely be focusing on food supplies for the time being. Consider a trip to your local deep discount or Dollar store to stock up on personal hygiene supplies such as shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and deodorant. You may not find your favorite brands on the shelf. However, you can easily build up a stock of necessary items to take care of your hygiene needs for 30 to 60 days. Toilet paper may be a bit more of a challenge. If you’re in very short supply, visit your local grocery store as the doors open and be ready to pay the going rate for this crucial product.
Pet Supplies
Laying in additional dog or cat food, particularly dry food, will require additional storage space. Also, it’s important to note that at least in the northern hemisphere, warmer temperatures may mean an increase in pests such as ants and mice. Canned pet food will likely be safe in almost any storage situation, but dry food in bags may draw rodents. If you have access to plastic storage tubs with lids, consider moving dry pet food from bags into a more rodent-proof container. If you put out poison for insects or rodents, keep a careful eye on small pets and their water containers. Mouse poison causes dehydration and rodents seeking relief may wind up drowning themselves in pet water containers.
