Fear, apprehension, or even a high level of concern can be beneficial to your well-being if you can control the feelings. Fear is instinctive, and it keeps us from doing things that could hurt or kill us. Recognize fear for what it is however, listen to it, but above all listen to what your head is telling you based on the information you are processing from the environment around you. The more information you have about something the better you can handle or reduce the apprehension/fear associated with it.
Those that claim to have no fear are likely being dishonest, or they are under-medicated, and in either case, they should be avoided, because they can be a danger to you. People that cannot understand or willingly ignore the consequences of their actions can end up being injured, killed or in legal trouble.
Fear of the outcome motivates people, and it motivates Preppers to ensure they are ready for any situation. The Ebola scare is a prime example, and as the virus progresses fear may turn to panic, and this is when the virus itself becomes secondary and people’s reaction to their fear is what the issue becomes. You cannot allow this to happen to you. You need to continue to prepare, plan, and adjust your preparations as the situation evolves, and evolve it will, it will get worse before it gets better, but this simply means you have to be ahead of it.
There Will Be More Cases but Keep It in Perspective
Telling the America citizens, the chance of dying from a lightning strike or by being bitten by an albino cobra, is greater than contracting Ebola is not helpful nor does it quell any fears. However, in comparison to other ways you can die, Ebola is low on the list, not impossible of course, and things can change quickly, but as of right now the chance is low, although, as a Prepper, you prepare anyway.
You prepare as you would for any crisis. You assess the situation, make plans and then start gathering the needed materials, tools and supplies. Running around in circles looking for someone to yell or be mad at means you are giving in to your fears instead of preparing.
Fear or a high level of concern for example, should keep you out of airports, and out of any public gathering places near airports where international travelers would gather. This same concern should prompt you to up your game and gather more water, food, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies such as hand soap, hand sanitizer, bleach, disposable towels, plastic sheeting and large heavy duty garbage bags, because from what information you have gathered thus far, quarantines are a real possibility.
Instead of just one apartment being quarantined, it may be an entire complex or an entire suburb next time. Quarantines may be put in place out of an abundance of caution, and you may not know whether you or anyone in the quarantine area has been exposed to the virus or not, but you may still be required to shelter in place. The incubation period for the virus is 21 days, so you have to be prepared to shelter in place for this length of time.
Again, it goes back to the impact on you and your community. You are not likely to get the virus, but if someone is infected or is suspected of being infected in your community, it will have an effect and people will react. Those not informed and not prepared will likely panic.
Now Is the Time for Rational Thought
What are your risks and the risks to your family? Do you travel frequently and/or have you traveled recently. People can leave Liberia for example, fly to Germany, France or any other country and then fly to the United States, so anyone on any flight could have started out from West Africa, in other words any flight you are on may pose a risk.
Do you work in the medical field? Those that do work in the medical profession will have a higher risk of contracting the virus. Nurses, janitors, paramedics, fire fighters and maintenance personnel are at a higher risk than others are. Police and rescue personnel responding to a car wreck, for example, simply have no idea of the medical or travel history of the person they are helping until possibly it is too late.
Assess your risks honestly and then continue to prepare. Rely on your training and do your research if unsure of any information being put out. If you are in the medical profession and do not know the risks associated with Ebola, know what symptoms to look for, and know what questions to ask, and then how to treat a person infected then you need to seek other employment for the safety of the public at large.