An Invisible Threat
In a globalised world, people, goods and services are more interconnected than ever before. While international exchange contributes to economic prosperity, these connections can also facilitate the worldwide spread of infectious diseases.
When a new pathogen emerges against which the population has little or no immunity, an initially local outbreak can, under certain conditions, spread rapidly across countries and continents. Containment becomes particularly difficult when infected individuals can transmit the disease before developing noticeable symptoms.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how quickly an infectious disease can become a global challenge. Within months, virtually every region of the world was affected. Governments faced far-reaching decisions, healthcare systems came under enormous pressure, and everyday public life was severely disrupted in many places.
Although medicine, scientific research and international cooperation have made progress since then, the risk of future pandemics remains. New pathogens can emerge, and existing ones can evolve.
A pandemic cannot be reliably predicted. Preparing for its potential consequences, however, is entirely possible.
When Everyday Life Comes to a Halt
A pandemic is far more than a medical challenge. Depending on the severity and spread of a disease, it can affect nearly every aspect of society and the economy.
Rising infection rates and widespread staff absences can place considerable pressure on hospitals, care facilities and other essential services. At the same time, measures introduced to contain the disease may change everyday life: Events are cancelled, businesses have to adapt their operations, and personal contact may be restricted.
The supply of everyday goods can also come under pressure. Temporary factory closures, transport shortages or disruptions to international supply chains may cause certain products to become temporarily scarce.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, these effects were clearly visible in Switzerland as well. Particularly in the early stages, uncertainty, surging demand and panic buying led to temporary shortages of products such as hygiene supplies and shelf-stable food.
Another challenge arises when people cannot leave their homes for a period of time because of an infection, mandatory isolation or increased health risks.
In situations like these, having essential everyday supplies readily available at home can make a significant difference.
Preparedness Brings Peace of Mind
The experiences of recent years have shown that even well-functioning governments cannot always prevent disruptions to everyday life. This makes personal and household preparedness all the more important.
An emergency stockpile helps bridge temporary supply shortages and reduces the need for unnecessary shopping trips during a crisis. Households with sufficient food, drinking water and other everyday essentials can remain at home for longer when necessary and become less dependent on immediate access to shops.
The Swiss Federal Office for National Economic Supply therefore recommends keeping approximately one week's worth of shelf-stable food and at least nine litres of drinking water per person. Essential personal medication, hygiene products and other important supplies should also be included in a well-planned emergency stockpile.
During a pandemic, protecting your health is equally important. Following official health guidance, practising appropriate hygiene, keeping recommended vaccinations up to date and responding responsibly to symptoms of illness all help protect both individuals and their communities.
An emergency stockpile is no substitute for medical and public health measures. However, it provides a valuable additional layer of preparedness by giving households greater flexibility and independence in everyday life.
Preparing in advance means you won't have to start from scratch when a crisis is already unfolding.
Be Prepared with myNotvorrat
A pandemic can change everyday life in a remarkably short time. However, preparing in advance means worrying less about essential supplies when deliveries are disrupted, shopping becomes difficult or staying at home temporarily becomes necessary.
With my-notvorrat.ch, organising your personal emergency preparedness is simple and convenient. Manage food, drinking water, hygiene products and other essential supplies in one central place.
Always know what you have in stock, which products are approaching their expiration dates and what needs to be replenished. This helps ensure that your emergency stockpile is ready when needed while avoiding unnecessary food waste.
Starter – Get Started
Track and manage your personal emergency supplies for free. Practical templates help you build your stockpile step by step and adapt it to your household's needs.
Advanced – Stay Organised with Less Effort
Enjoy additional features that simplify inventory management. Keep track of expiration dates and access helpful checklists and practical tips to improve your emergency preparedness.
Professional – Prepared for More
Keep your inventory information accessible even without an internet connection, so you can refer to it during an emergency. Conveniently manage up to five households from a single account and add products to your emergency stockpile faster with barcode scanning and AI-powered recognition.
Good preparation begins long before the next crisis. Start building greater security, independence and peace of mind today.
