Q: My family is becoming concerned about the risk of another pandemic or worldwide crisis. How and when should we prepare?
A: Being aware of the risk, already offers an advantage. We are glad to help with the next step, which should start now. Preparing for a worldwide disaster is multifaceted and involves a combination of personal and community health measures. Your community includes your family, neighbors, church, workplace, or school, and the governmental jurisdictions where you live. Obviously none of us knows the nature of the next crisis, but we can take our cues from Matthew 24 to tell us what to expect. Moreover, we can’t control all aspects of any of the possibilities. Still, our personal, family, and close-lying communities’ health and well-being can be positively and proactively influenced regardless of the crisis.
First and foremost, seek the kingdom of God and practice a life of faithfulness. Crises often challenge us, but God is a pillar of strength and has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7).
Strengthen Your Faith Practices
- Daily dedicate time for prayer, Bible study, and family worship.
- Volunteer or donate to help others and reflect Christ’s love.
- Learn and teach encouraging verses to hold on to during tough times (e.g., Ps. 91:1, 2; Phil. 4:6, 7).
- Create or strengthen your spiritual community to maintain fellowship even if in-person gatherings are restricted. Offer spiritual support by praying for and with others.
- Remember God’s past faithfulness and trust Him during crises. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV).
Strengthen Personal/Family Physical Health (optimize immune function)
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support your immune system.
- Regularly engage in physical activity (e.g., walking, jogging) for at least 150 minutes/week.
- Ensure seven to eight hours of sleep per night
- Drink plenty of water daily.
- Manage stress, using prayer, relaxation techniques, exercise, and companionship.
- Keep handy prescriptions and medical supplies (e.g., thermometer, common remedies, herbal and natural health products).
- Keep handy personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, N95 masks, and hand sanitizer [>60 percent alcohol]).
- Keep hygiene supplies: soap, disinfectants, tissues, and surface cleaning wipes.
- Stock nonperishable foods and water, about a two-week supply of essentials. (Opt for long-shelf-life items, such as rice, beans, canned goods, and freeze-dried foods.)
- Keep a first-aid emergency supply kit with batteries, flashlights, radio, bandages, etc.
- Get first aid and first responder training.
- Learn basic gardening skills to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Financial Readiness
- Emergency fund: If possible, save at least three to six months of living expenses to weather economic disruptions.
There is much more than the above to a comprehensive plan. Please consult your Adventist Community Services (ACS) team, and your state and national disaster preparedness agencies’ websites. Your concern is warranted. We are living in perilous times; God wants us to be prepared and help others prepare too. Maranatha!
