Foto: cottonbro studio / PexelsHome Quarantine Preparation: The Complete Guide
How to prepare for home quarantine: supplies, hygiene, communication, mental health — complete guide for individuals and families for 14-day isolation.
Home Quarantine Preparation: The Complete Guide
Quarantine can affect anyone — through infectious disease, official order, or voluntary isolation during crises. Preparation makes the difference.
What is Home Quarantine?
Home quarantine means: not leaving the apartment for a defined period (typically 5-14 days). You must provide completely for yourself without external assistance.
Scenarios:
- Infectious disease (influenza, COVID-like)
- Official order (disease outbreak, chemical accident)
- Voluntary isolation (extreme cold, flooding nearby)
The 4 Pillars of Quarantine Preparation
Pillar 1: Food and Water
For 2 weeks per person:
| Category | Amount | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 28 liters | Mineral water, bottled |
| Carbohydrates | 5-7 kg | Pasta, rice, oats |
| Protein | 2-3 kg | Legumes, canned goods |
| Fats | 1 liter | Oil, nuts |
| Vitamins | 14 portions | Canned vegetables, dried fruit |
Calorie target: 2,000 kcal per adult daily.
Pillar 2: Medicine and Hygiene
Basic medication supply:
- Pain and fever reducers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Electric thermometer
- Cold remedies (nasal spray, throat lozenges)
- Diarrhea medication (loperamide)
- Electrolyte powder
- Chronic medications: 4-week supply
Hygiene for 2 weeks:
- Soap (500 ml per person)
- Hand sanitizer (1 liter)
- Wet wipes (200 pieces)
- Disposable gloves (50 pieces)
- Masks / FFP2 masks (20 pieces)
Pillar 3: Communication and Information
Stay connected to authorities:
- FM/DAB+ radio (battery operated)
- Smartphone with full battery + power bank (20,000 mAh)
- Emergency contacts on paper
Maintain social contacts:
- Daily video calls (mentally important)
- Inform employer early (home office options)
Pillar 4: Mental Health
Quarantine can be psychologically stressful. Preparation helps:
- Structure: Fixed daily routine (wake, meals, exercise, sleep)
- Activities: Books, games, projects (not only screens)
- Movement: Exercises at home, on balcony
- Contact: Regular conversations with family and friends
If Multiple People Are in the Household
If one person is sick:
- Sick person isolated in one room
- Separate toilet if possible (otherwise strict hygiene)
- Meals placed outside the door
- Masks in common areas
Conclusion
Quarantine preparation is a special case of general crisis preparedness. Anyone with a 2-week supply and a communication system handles any quarantine well.
