There's a palpable sense of optimism in the air these days, driven by the arrival of summer sun and the gradual reopening of states across the country. People seem lighter-hearted, but many epidemiologists and public health experts warn that we're still in the early stages of this crisis. It's far too soon to celebrate.
On a personal note, I'm hopeful for improvement, but I'm not banking on it. When asked how to prepare for what lies ahead, I always suggest this: whatever challenges you've faced during the pandemic—whether it's the mental strain of isolation, food shortages, water supply concerns, societal tensions over masks, or strained relationships—assume those issues will intensify.
### Hope for the Best, but Prepare for the Worst
First, avoid rushing into changes. It’s likely we'll have most of the summer—and potentially parts of the fall—before the next wave hits. However, it's wise to evaluate your current situation and consider what you might need if things worsen. From there, create a strategy to address those needs.
For my own preparations, here’s how I’m approaching the future:
- **Food**: I’m constantly restocking my pantry and considering adding livestock. We’ve joined a breeding program for pigs arriving in December. It’s not urgent, so we’re patient. The kids are excited about rabbits, and we’re expanding our garden.
- **Water**: With well water, I’m planning to install a large storage tank near the wellhouse for backup tap water in case of power outages. This will be simpler than our current backups like ponds and creeks.
- **Electricity**: Though we haven’t invested in solar panels yet, I’ll start researching installations by late summer. Our ample land allows us to avoid rooftop systems, making installation easier and cheaper.
- **Education**: Since schools closed after spring break, we’ve been in emergency mode with homeschooling. Before school resumes, I’ll dedicate time to creating a structured curriculum to ensure continuity regardless of school status.
Even though this list leans toward a more extreme approach, we’re comfortable with it.
Do I think we’ll need everything? Absolutely not! But reflecting on the time I bought N95 masks just to cross them off our prep list reminds me how some of our decisions seemed odd at first but proved practical.
I hope my kids will laugh about our "prepper" phase, but I’d rather be prepared than caught off guard.
### Use Reopening as an Opportunity
Most of these plans depend on accessible stores and a functioning economy. While both are available to me, I’m taking advantage. If there are critical supplies I lack, I’m sourcing them now. If I’ve depleted anything over the last three months, I’m replacing it.
Other opportunities exist while optimism is high. For example, if I want to divest from certain assets or liabilities like leases, now’s the time to pass them on to those who remain optimistic.
### Don’t Rely on Government Improvements
I’m not here to debate political responses to the pandemic. Governments worldwide have made errors, and these reflect systemic flaws unlikely to resolve quickly. You’re stuck with your government’s limitations for now. Expect no sweeping reforms soon.
### Leverage Positive Changes from COVID-19
Surprisingly, some aspects of our current lifestyle suit us better than before. We’re no longer constantly running errands or buying unnecessary items. My wife and I have reflected on what works better and want to embrace those positives.
- We’ve reconnected via Zoom and aim to maintain these connections intentionally.
- We’re cautiously reintroducing face-to-face interactions, prioritizing safety.
- Homeschooling was never voluntary, but we’re committed to making it work.
- We’ve stopped driving altogether and love it. Minimizing car use is now a priority.
- Cooking from scratch has improved our meals, and we’re committed to continuing.
- Livestock farming seemed inconvenient, but given our current situation, we’re giving it a shot.
In short, we’re actively seeking ways to turn this unusual situation into an advantage.
### Conclusion: Plan, Don’t Predict
I don’t have a crystal ball or precise predictions for the future. Yet, I don’t need to know what’s coming to start preparing. Increased uncertainty demands proactive measures. Look around—you’ll see that extreme scenarios once deemed unlikely have become reality.
Another way to frame it: this pandemic will either improve or worsen. I can’t control the direction, but I can control my readiness. By preparing for improvement, I’m safeguarded against surprises in either scenario.
This article expands on advice I shared recently in an interview with PBS's "The Open Mind." It reflects my ongoing thoughts on preparing for the months ahead.
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