Are you prepared for the next Black Death? Here’s what you can do to prepare for a pandemic

From malaria, to Ebola, or even the flu, tons of diseases break out and kill hundreds or even thousands of people every year. Any of these diseases could easily turn into an epidemic.

For example, in 2017 an outbreak of the bubonic plague – the same plague that killed 60 percent of Europe in the 14th century – and the pneumonic plague swept through the island nation of Madagascar, infecting over 2,348 people and causing at least 202 deaths.

The next Black Death could be just around the corner. Experts believe that the next big pandemic could kill up to 80 million people. They even claim that the world is woefully unprepared for it. It’s time that you broke from the mold. Here are several things you can do to keep yourself safe if and when that day comes. (h/t to BioPrepper.com)

Strengthen your bug-out location

Before SHTF, make sure your bug-out location (BOL) is ready to protect you against an epidemic of massive proportions. The number one thing to consider is that your BOL is secure, concealed, and far from major population centers. Cities and towns are potential hives for the pandemic, and other people accidentally stumbling upon your BOL could be the death of you and your family. Keeping your BOL out of the way ensures safety.

Stockpile the essentials

Your BOL needs to be fully stocked with everything you’re ever going to need. Food and water are your first priority, and you need to figure out a way to replenish your stores. A proper rainwater harvesting system will keep you from dying of thirst. Keeping a gun around will help you defend your BOL as well as make hunting game a possibility if you run low on food.

You’ll also want a lot of natural immune system boosters. They are necessary to enhance your body’s ability to resist infection. (Related: Boosting immune system with natural methods offers many health benefits.)

Head to your bug-out location

Be prepared to bug out at any moment. When you do, chances are it’s just going to be due to another seasonal flu. If that’s the case, you can always return. But if it’s much worse than that, it’s going to be difficult to leave, especially if you live in an urban area. Don’t hesitate; you’ll be thankful that you bugged out early when SHTF.

Keep contact with other people to a minimum

If at all possible, reduce contact to zero. You could get the infection from anyone. You never know who may be carrying it. You and the other people in your BOL should be the only people you trust to be close to. If you have to meet with other people, do so only in case of an emergency and be sure to wear the proper safety gear. This means covering yourself from head to toe in personal protective equipment: Gloves, respirators, goggles, and clothing that fully encloses you.

Remember the 30-feet rule

If you absolutely have to make contact with people outside of your BOL, then make sure that all communication is done at least 30 feet away from each other. Yell if you have to, but under no circumstance should you be face to face with other people. Preferably, you would also be upwind of the person so that the disease, if it can be transmitted through the air, can’t get to you.

Anyone who hasn’t been quarantined with you in your BOL is suspect, even if they don’t show symptoms. Many people may be carriers without showing any signs that they’re infected. It doesn’t matter if they’re a neighbor or a loved one. If they weren’t with you when you bugged out, they’re as good as strangers.

Remember that diseases like the flu kill hundreds and even thousands of people each year. The next big pandemic is right around the corner, and you don’t want to be the person struggling to grab as many supplies as possible in the local supermarket when it’s too late. Preparing now can mean the difference between surviving and lying sick in a hospital bed.

Sources include:

BioPrepper.com

HistoryToday.com

WHO.int

ScienceAlert.com

SkilledSurvival.com

RainwaterHarvesting.org

TheBugOutBagGuide.com