Emergency Preparedness Business Booming Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Feb 28, 2020, 6:02 PM | Updated: Mar 2, 2020, 3:52 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Record-breaking shipments of emergency preparedness items are flying off the shelf for one local business amid growing COVID-19 concerns.

Officials with Ready Wise, which specializes in freeze dry meals that last for years, said they are breaking records as a result of the coronavirus.

Business has exploded. That may be an understatement. We have seen 10 times the sales, said Brandon Ericksson, Ready Wise vice president.  

He said people are not ordering 72-hour kits, but much longer packages.

“Most people are wanting a three-month supply on hand,” he said. “They are really focusing on getting meals into their home in the event that maybe they can’t leave their home or the grocery stores don’t have the product because of supply issues.”

Ericksson said the prices of the packages vary from $39.99 to $10,000.

At Rhonda Hair’s South Jordan home, things were much calmer. KSL TV found her canning marmalade and chicken with a neighbor. Hair is an emergency preparedness specialist in her neighborhood and has years of expertise in food storage.

Rhonda Hair and a neighbor canning marmalade and chicken at Hair’s house.

“It’s a lot cheaper. It’s convenient. We use it all the time to make to fast meals,” she said.

Here are her tips on what’s happening across the country.

  1. Don’t panic.
  2. Look through what you already have in your pantries.
  3. Get the things you need or will actually eat. 
  4. Do not stockpile just to have it.
  5. Plan easy meals.

“Carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables and something to drink or flavor your water with that’s the just of it,” she said.


Coronavirus Resources

Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.

What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy

The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found here.

Where in the world has the coronavirus already appeared? See the map here.

Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

  • Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

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Emergency Preparedness Business Booming Amid Coronavirus Concerns