This article originally appeared on Food52.

As you’ve probably heard, cases of coronavirus are emerging throughout communities in the United States. While there’s no immediate reason to be concerned, we’re here to help you get ahead of it. For one thing, coronaviruses are actually pretty common—usually manifesting as mild sicknesses, like the common cold. But a novel strain, COVID-19, has been said to cause severe acute respiratory syndrome, and can be fatal for those with already compromised immune systems.

In moments like these, we feel it’s important to think practically—of course, not to be alarmed, but to be well prepared. We’ve put together some tips and tools for readying your family and home, should this become a serious issue in your community. (Many of these items are good to keep around, in any case.)

With all things on this list, opt for the bulk version, if you can. There’s no need to purchase more than you would use in the next two weeks anyway, but buying in bulk is kinder to the environment (less packaging) and eliminates multiple trips to the grocery store, thereby limiting time spent in crowded, public areas.

1. Stock Up On Versatile Staples With A Long Shelf Life

Buy products you like and would eat even outside of these circumstances—but, again, only enough to sustain your household for a couple weeks. Dried grains, pastas, and beans, for example, all maintain their nutritional value throughout their long shelf life.

As for us, we’re picking up:

• Canned, boxed, or tubed tomato products, such as whole peeled tomatoes and tomato paste

• Cultured dairy products, such as yogurt & kefir; aged hard cheeses, like Parmesan & Pecorino

• Dried fruit and nuts (the latter of which can be frozen for an even longer shelf life)

• Dried grains, such as rice, wheat berries, and farro

• Dried pastas

• Dried or canned legumes, like white beans, black beans, lentils, and chickpeas

• Frozen vegetables with many uses, like spinach, peas, broccoli, and corn

• Produce with staying power, such as root vegetables (potatoes, yams, and winter squashes) and alliums (garlic, shallots, and onions)

• Preserved or pickled items, like kimchi, sauerkraut, olives, and pickled cucumbers

2. Brew Soothing Stocks, Broths & Teas

Nutrient-rich vegetable stock and bone broth—whether store-bought or homemade—can help to hydrate and soothe symptoms of a respiratory illness. Mugs of steamy tea will help, too.

All kinds of stocks and broths freeze well for several months, so after buying or making a big batch, you might consider portioning the liquid in airtight, freezer-safe containers and stashing away for later.

3. Take Inventory of Your Home Supplies

Again, no need to keep an unnecessary amount on hand, though toiletries and medicines—like feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, your usual prescribed medications, as well as over-the-counter fever reducers—are often offered in 3- or 6-month supplies, and are worth considering if just for the convenience and slightly gentler impact on the environment.

As the CDC recommends, being extra mindful about cleanliness can only help. Dish and hand soaps offered in larger formats will ensure that you’re ready for more frequent disinfecting. Travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer are always smart to tote around, should you find yourself with limited access to a hand-washing sink.

4. Keep in Mind Some Basic Health & Safety Practices

In addition to stocking up on nonperishables foods and essential supplies for the home, the CDC has shared a list of everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Washing hands regularly is a must, as is avoiding close contact with those that aren’t feeling well, and staying home when we aren’t feeling well. We can be good health citizens by also resisting the spread of discrimination and stigma, and offering social support instead.

See the full article on Food52.

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