Preparations

This is a very basic list of items to have on hand BEFORE a pandemic (and possible quarantine) strikes.

N-95 OR N-100 masks:

How many? Hard call to make. If you think an outbreak in your area might last months & you may have to go out in public daily - plan on 3 a day for 3 months. That's a tough one to get around. Buy them at hardware stores, medical supply stores.

Latex gloves:

They're cheap & can be bought by the box of 100 & probably by the case. They too can be washed & reused. If you care to, buy twenty or so pairs of rubber, (dish), gloves to wear OVER your latex - it will protect them. Walmart, Target...

Hand sanitizers:

If you can buy this stuff by the gallon & simply pour it into smaller bottles - great. Carry them on you, in your vehicle, at work, everywhere at home... can't have too many & they're cheap.

Eye shields:

Several for every household member - for kids, ski goggles of the right size would do it. I don't do sports requiring these & would appreciate some feedback here from those who know eye shields & goggles.

Cheap spray bottles:
Bleach to water: 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Dollar stores sell these. They're cheap but the spray mechanisms break down after a while - buy lots. Make sure when you use them you write in permanent marker what's in them. Kids & all... A few garden sprayers are handy for spraying yourself off after outings - faster.

Laundry detergent:

I prefer liquid - easier, especially if kids will be doing laundry. Don't pay $13.50 for a brand name when you can get a cheap brand for $2.50. several gallons

Bleach:

several gallons - it's cheap.

Soap:

that's for YOU - again, the cheapest you can get away with. This prepping can get expensive enough without going name brand or speciality unless you need to because of allergies or skin conditions.

Shampoo:

Cheap. Add cheap conditioner if you'll be washing your hair/showering a lot. Lots & you don't need as much as you thinthink you do. Liquid soap or even bar soap works just fine too.

Extra canned food you will eat
Extra bottled water
Extra pet food
Extra comfort foods
Recommendations are to have enough on hand for you and each member of your household (including pets) for 1-3 months. This all depends on how long a possible pandemic and possible quarantine would last.

Batteries
Board games for diversion
Extra flashlights
paper products
medicine
Anything you'd need or want if you couldn't go to the store for a month.

N95 Respirators-Where to purchase

http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/list....1&SKW=2S5RESPN

One place to order from (I've ordered mine from here and got some at Home Depot)

In case of the pandemic, remember when you use these:
1. Make sure they fit tightly against your face.
2. If you use one, it has become contaminated. Be very careful how you take it off. Don't touch the outside of the mask and don't let the outside of the mask touch anything. Wear gloves when you take it off and throw it away in a plastic bag, seal the bag shut.
3. They become useless if they get wet.
4. Change them often.
5. If you must be out in public for a long time. Buy the Moldex 2300 N95 Respirator 10/box-
The only dust/mist respirator with a non-collapsible shell. $22.95 a box of 10.

Dura-Mesh outer shell prevents facepiece from collapsing
The Moldex 2300M2 is enhanced with a Dura-Mesh netting which prevents the facepiece from collapsing and extends the service life up to five times that of conventional respirators. Glasses won't fog up because a central exhale valve allows hot, moist, exhaled air to escape from within the respirator...greatly improving wearer comfort. The contoured nosepiece improves the respirator's fit and seal around the nose without a metal band. Certified under NIOSH 42CFR84 to have filter efficiency level of 95% or greater against particulate aerosols free of oil. Approval # TC-84A-0328. USA made.

*If the pandemic hits you will be glad you have these*