You should have an emergency kit and a Go Bag especially now during these uncertain times with COVID-19.  Knowing you are prepared in case of an emergency will help reduce anxiety and create space for calmness. 

Most of us are familiar with the concept of an emergency kit/supplies to have in your home.  I have included a link to the CDCs’ extensive emergency supply lists which covers many different household needs. 

The Go Bag is an additional layer of preparedness that is a good idea at this time. Your Go Bag is a bag packed with your essentials that you can grab ASAP on your way out the door. 

The top items you should have on hand at all times are your prescription medications and especially 2 auto-injectors of epinephrine.  Ask your doctor and insurance company if you can get a 90 supply of your medication(s). Put reminders in your calendar for your prescription refills and expiration dates for your auto-injectors.

Items to have in your Go Bag:

Ideally your bag should be waterproof or place paper items/medications in a sealed container or a plastic bag. You can break into two bags if one is too heavy. A backpack is a great option.

• Print out your Emergency Plan in case of an Anaphylactic Reaction. Check with your doctor to see if any changes need to be made in your protocol due to COVID-19.
• Print out a medical summary for each member of your household.  Things to include are your full name, date of birth, allergies food and medicines, doctors name and phone numbers, your pharmacy info, all medications with dosages, any medical conditions, insurance information and your emergency contact information. You can also include an electronic version.
• ID card with basic information for each individual
• Shelf stable snack(s) that meet all allergen needs for your household.
• Some Cash
• A change of clothes and pajamas.
• A mini first aid kit including your auto-injector(s) of epinephrine.
• 3 days of medications including over the counter medications
• Toiletries, feminine supplies
• Glasses or contacts if you have an extra pair.
• Bottles of water
• A book, small game or cards, pen and paper.
• For children a stuffed animal or small blanket for comfort.
• Charger, cords, batteries depending if you have extra to put in the bag for your phone or electronic devices.

Key points to remember:

• It is a good idea to have a mini emergency kit that leave in your car.  Taking note of what can be exposed to either cold or hot temperatures. Have a pen and paper to write notes.   This will be helpful with social distancing if you need to communicate from within your car to a person outside your car.
• Have masks homemade or purchased in your kits for each household member.  You can also include gloves, anti-bacterial gel and disinfectant wipes.
• If you have an infant consider having a diaper bag packed and ready to go. 
• Do not forget your pets and what to have on hand in case of an emergency.
• For Pantry Supplies try contacting smaller local food stores if your major grocery chains are out of stock of the key safe foods you need.  You can also order online and plan ahead with shipping delays so you have enough of each item on hand.
• Review your emergency protocols with everyone in your household in a calm manner.

Links:

The Center for Disease Control has detailed checklists to create emergency kits based on your household:

• CDC Emergency Supply Lists:

https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/checklists/kids-and-families.html

• Our Blog:
• You will find more information regarding COVID-19, Top 9 Allergen Free Recipes and much more!

blog.FoodAllergyWizards.com

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