- **Buy staple foods, such as rice and beans.** - This is the most important thing you can do right now. Don't hoard more than you need, but stock up so you have enough food for 1-2 months at least. Even the CDC is recommending that people have enough supplies on hand to last several weeks. - Focus on calories - a rough rule of thumb is 2000/day for an adult, although you can live on less depending on your nutritional needs. So for 1 month, get about 60,000 calories per person. Make sure to get a source of proteins, carbs, and fats, as well as micronutrients if possible. Rice and beans are perfect for this, since they supply both protein and carbs. - Stocking up on staple foods now is good in case there are any issues with local stores closing, supply chain issues, or problems with the financial system. It's also a good idea since it saves you from having to go out to the grocery store later when infections may be more widespread. - **Stock up on other important goods.** - While having enough food is by far the most important consideration, there are other things you will want and need as well. These include household sanitizers, hygiene products, medical products (antibiotics), gasoline, matches, batteries, and many others. Don't buy a lot of any product you would not normally use eventually. - Many household products can be reduced in use. For example, paper towels are not a necessity if you have washcloths on hand. - **Start a garden, and learn how to fish or hunt if you have the option to.** - Gardening may be a lot easier than you think. As long as you have soil, seeds, and water, you can probably grow a plant with no problem. My recommendation is green beans, since they sprout quickly, but you can try other plants as well. Be sure to watch out for pests. - If you live near the water, fishing may be a good option. Make sure you have a fishing pole, line, and fish hooks. - **Withdraw a few hundred dollars of cash from the bank.** - Don't take *all* your money out of the bank. Banks will still be around once the coronavirus is over, but it is a good idea to have a few hundred dollars on hand for barter. - If you have money to spare and would like to play the stock market, you may want to buy stocks of major companies. In a year or so these stocks will be back up and you will make a nice profit. - If you are able to, now would be a good time to buy gold or silver. However, the prices are increasing and stocks are running out so it may be too late to get on the bandwagon. In any case, stocking up on staples like food or necessary supplies is far more important than buying bullion, so only do this if you have money to spare and you're willing to risk long or uncertain delivery times. - **Get in contact with your neighbors through phone or e-mail.** - No man is an island. Get in touch with your neighbors and keep each other informed about local events by phone, text messaging, e-mail, or social media. Be friendly, but don't offer help you can't afford to give. Make sure to take care of your family and friends needs first. - **Be aware of sources of information in your country and local community.** - Sources of information include the President, the Center for Disease Control, the statewide Department of Health, county government, city government (including mayors), and government for neighboring cities. Watching national news is important, but local news may be more relevant. - **Make sure your family and close friends are preparing as well.** ---- **This post is originally from /s/FoundationGuide. Please check out that sub if you enjoyed this and would like to see similar content.**