In the face of the worsening Wuhan coronavirus infection that is creeping all over the globe, Singaporean citizens are sharing valuable tips that can help prepare households for any emergency–without the panic buying of groceries and supplies.
With 47 people infected with the virus in Singapore, it’s understandable that people are getting nervous, but that doesn’t mean we give in to fear. Preparing without panicking is the key.
Make your DIY face mask
Since face masks are in short supply globally and it’s rather no feasible to use a new one everyday in the face of how much other people need this, a user helpfully posted how to make your own face mask from scratch, including the pattern for cutting the face mask fabric.
Thanks to HardwareZone forum user KnightDroid, a full tutorial for anyone who can cut and sew was provided in full on how to construct a washable, reusable face mask.
You can find the guide here, along with a pattern and important FAQs in constructing and choosing the different layers of the mask.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Wuhan coronavirus.
While Singaporean health officials have said that people who are sick are the only ones who should wear face masks, some people may want to wear one for other purposes. Making your own mask leaves medical supplies for people who really need it.
Basic emergency kit for all situations
Creating an emergency bag or emergency kit isn’t panic buying. You’re just collecting some items that will help you when some public systems fail, or if you’re in a sudden untoward situation.
Most people on the forums suggested that Singaporeans adopt a Japanese mindset, where they have an emergency bag ready. In the bag, usually, are a first aid kit, identification cards, some snacks, water, a flashlight, batteries, matches, and candles.
Make sure you have one kit for each member of your household in case you need to respond to an emergency situation quickly.
Learn CPR and take emergency response classes
Knowing how to deal with medical emergencies could mean life and death for you or your family members. Some incidents such as stroke, cardiac arrest, and other medical emergencies need someone to take action in seconds.
Some netizens posted information on where to get CPR classes and other basic emergency courses for regular citizens.
How bad was the SARS outbreak anyway? People reminisce here.
If you want to know how to handle a cardiac arrest patient, here is the course information. You may want to look into this if someone in your family has a heart condition.
For others who want to know more basic medical information beyond CPR, there is an expanded course.
According to their website, you can contact the nearest Singapore Civil Defense Force office using the information on this page to know about their courses on CPR and First Aid.
Other tips
A lot of other netizens shared that learning how to swim and acquiring fire extinguishers and smoke alarms for homes are good things to do while there is no emergency.
Some Singaporeans also suggested that you can also install emergency lights that run on battery power, and to also build up an emergency food stash slowly, without hoarding in one go.
Singaporeans helping each other get into a prepared-ness mindset
Even as Singaporeans face the Wuhan coronavirus infection while SARS happened in the same lifetime, adopting a better perspective on emergencies is a good way to handle the stress and anxiety related to the spread of disease.
What will happen if you violate your LOA and quarantine? You get deported and banned from Singapore.
The time to prepare for emergencies is when it is peaceful and calm, without disrupting everyone else’s day-to-day lives–otherwise, you’re creating an emergency of your own.
Header image from Shutterstock.
