God is not a Plan, Black Women - Coronavirus Prep List (COVID19)
In wake of the Covid19 virus I have decided to switch topics for this week and discuss the importance of disaster readiness with black women. All over my social media pages I have seen black people, more specifically black women, protesting that there is “no need to fear, God and Jesus will get us through.”
Ladies…
Keeping your faith and good spirits is one thing but I am so sorry, God and Jesus are not going to save you from the economic depression that is on the Horizon. Not only that but my birthplace, Philadelphia, just leaked a memo that low level crimes such as: Theft and burglary among others, will no longer be grounds for arrest.
I really need black women to think deeply about the implications of our current climate and what that could possibly mean for us. We are going to be the demographic most impacted by the chaos that is coming and already here.
So while talking about the bible is nice, maybe it’s better to have a plan along with your faith. Although things are not drastic yet there are a few tips and things that I think you all should have handy just in case.
Bug Out Bag: In short, a bug out bag, or B.O.B, is a bag containing essentials that should or would last you about 72 hours when evacuating in a disaster. Here is what I keep in my bag:
First aid kit
A few changes of clothes, specifically athletic wear or anything I can easily move in or remove.
sneakers
Hiking boots
N95 Filtered masks
Disposable coveralls
Stainless steel bottle
A one gallon water filtration system
Dehydrated camping food (found at REI, Bass pro, amazon, and other outdoor related stores) and non perishable protein rich foods
Lightweight camping cook set
Taser, swiss army knife, and cutlery
Fuel tablets, match kit, and fire starter
Hooded poncho
Tarp and single person tent
TP and soap
Flashlight and headlamp
Compass
Batteries
CandlesFortunately, I live in a state with little to no natural disasters other than sweltering heat and the occasional dust storm. However, you can customize your BOB to you. I found the info for my bag on bugoutbagbuilder.com
Get armed: I think that currently all black women should either own, or look into owning a gun. However, If that’s not up your alley or not possible currently, I suggest investing in pepper spray, short and long distance tasers, brass knuckles, concealable knives, and blades. I also encourage black women to take up self defense classes. In our current circumstances classes may be next to impossible so there are many free internet and YouTube videos for demonstrations. It is also a great way to remain active and if you have daughters, it’s a great way to get them engaged during these quarantine times whilst getting them to think about their safety.
Keep a full tank of gas in your car : As well as an extra canister of gas just in case you need to get out of town quickly. Along the topic of cars, if it is not too late, make sure you get your car serviced now. There is a possibility of shortage of parts during national emergencies. There are many other steps and precautions you can take to protect yourself as much as possible during these times. It is important that you also practice staying calm, breathing, and clearing your mind. Just in case there is ever an emergency of any kind in your life, knowing you have the skills and the head space to make it through may save your life! I hope every single one of you is staying safe and staying in.
Liv is a new blogger for DDS Magazine. She graduated University in 2018, with a degree in History & English Lit and in her free time is an avid creative writer, History & Fashion enthusiast, as well as a cat-mom to three kittens. When she is not creating, she works at a children's non-profit and enjoys spending her weekends doing Pilates, hiking, shopping and indulging in Sci-fi novels.