Yep, I’ve heard the same news about Coronavirus spread that you have. And, yep, it’s not great. But recognize that your FEAR of an event is not a good tool for assessing the RISK of an event. The less control we have over an event, the more we feel it it a threat.
One of the best ways to deal with that fear, and with the feeling of it not being something you can control is to take control of what you can. Every time your anxiety ratchets up when you hear coronavirus, or hurricane, or wildfire or earthquake, or shooter ... take action
We give many infections to ourselves, by picking things up on our hands and then transferring to our mouth nose and eyes. So ... practice not touching your face. Start by not touching it while you read this thread. Then work on building that habit as much possible
Clean hands are safer hands. Hand sanitizer is great. So is soap and water. Clean your hands before touching your face or handling anything that will go onto or into your face (food, glasses, lip balm).
Is your family prepared for emergencies that are most likely for your area? Do you have enough food, water, any medicines you regularly take to last 3-4 days? There are 16 weeks until the start of hurricane season, so you have time to spread out purchasing if you’re not ready.
Keep your pantry and freezer stocked so you can avoid some shopping trips, and plan some meals you can make with shelf stable and frozen foods.
Prepare for public closures. Do you have backup child care plans if school closes? Can you set up the ability to work remotely now, so that it can be used in the future if needed?
Identify a few “trusted providers” of accurate information, and go to those to confirm or refute news you hear elsewhere.
Stay home if you’re sick, if you can. Easier said than done, I know, but this is a behavior we need to stop normalizing. Sick people share their germs. You’re not helping your colleagues by coming in with “it’s just allergies” which progress to something worse the next day
Preparing for the psychological impact of a disaster is also important. What’s your plan for keeping the kids entertained and busy if the power’s out for 2 days after a storm? Add 2 decks of cards & a Book of Hoyle to your emergency kit. How about some board games & art supplies
Prepare ahead for health issues. Is there anyone in your family who is particularly vulnerable? Elderly or new to this world, underlying medical needs, takes medication regularly? Talk to your doctor about what you need to do for emergency preparedness.
Take a first aid class! You may never need the CPR, but the blisters and bandage skills will come in handy. While you’re at it, stock a few first aid kits for home, car, work, purse.
Go through your medicine cabinet and throw away the expired stuff and restock what you need.
Tuck a $20 in your glove box, for gas money if future you gets stuck with no gas and no wallet.
Get a few flashlights and batteries and tuck them in useful spots. Walmart sells them and headlamps for a dollar in the camping section. Not the highest quality but they do the job.
Go change the batteries in your smoke detector. You know you can’t remember the last time you did that.
Identify a friend or family member outside your geographic area that you can call if something happens in your city. They can be a point of contact for family members if you’re separated, or to share information with others if communication services are limited in your area.
Make copies of critical documents, and put them in a waterproof bag, somewhere up high.
Check your spare tire and jumper cables. Do you remember how to use them? Google it, then print it out and put it with the cables, so you don’t have to rely on your brain when you’re in a stressful situation.
Now take your hands off your face, and take action. Pick one of the above. Or something else entirely. Just do it today. You’ll be a bit lore ready for whatever comes your way, and will feel a bit more in control. We’ve got this!
