I. Introduction
Emergencies can happen anytime and it is important to make sure that you are prepared by having stored food that lasts for a long period. Storing emergency supplies in the form of canned or dried goods, grains, nuts and other non-perishable foods and potable water can help provide sustenance during a crisis. Having an emergency food supply will ensure that your family has enough food if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs.
II. Why is Emergency Food Storage Necessary?
Emergency food storage is crucial during disasters or crises for several reasons. Crises such as natural disasters or pandemics may disrupt supply chains, making it difficult to purchase food or other necessities. Having an emergency food supply ensures that you have sustenance, even when access to grocery stores is hindered.
These emergencies often happen without warning, leaving little to no time to gather resources. Think how the grocery store empties when there is a warning of a winter storm. An emergency food storage plan eliminates the worry of having to go out and fight with other panicked people.
Finally, stored food can serve as a lifesaver in emergencies where help might take days to arrive. In the worst-case scenario, having enough food to sustain the family can mean the difference between survival and catastrophe.
Hurricane Katrina is a good example of this. It took five days for rescue to reach those in the Superdome. If you live in hurricane areas, or those known to suffer from earthquakes and even if you don’t the bare minimum recommended preparation may not be enough. Certainly, though, it would be better than nothing.
III. Importance of an Emergency Plan and Supplies
An emergency plan, coupled with a well-stocked supply kit, is instrumental in safeguarding the well-being of your family during emergencies. Such a plan details clear and concise steps to follow during a crisis, minimizing panic and confusion. Consider the following:
- Evacuation routes-What if your phone is not working do you know your evacuation route? Do you have a paper map? Can you read a paper map?
- Contact information– Do you know essential phone numbers? Most people do not know their loved ones’ phone numbers as they depend on their smartphones for this. In an emergency, towers could be down. Your phone could be damaged or uncharged with no way to charge it.
- Rendezvous points-Do you know where to meet up with family should you not be home or should your home be destroyed? If there is a fire where do you meet outside the home?
- The roles each family member will take on– If the children are at school who gets them? What if there are pets? Is there a safe you need to get into? Do you know the combination? Having it in your phone may be no more useful than family phone numbers in an emergency.
- Needed medications-Do you have a supply to last if say you or your child needs insulin? Do you have a back-up way to keep the medication cool?
- Important documentation-Do you have copies of important document such as birth certificates, passports and so forth?
- Plan for Pets– If you have pets, do you have a supply of their food? Do you have the appropriate kennels, leashes, colors and proof of rabies shots?
All of this info should be written down or perhaps put in a note on each family member’s phone or the best option might be to do both. t should address issues such as what to do if you are at work or the children are at school. Having a get-home bag with water, energy bars, a flashlight, and cheap rain gear should be considered.
The significance of having an emergency supply kit cannot be overstated. This kit, filled with essential items such as food, water, medicines, and basic tools, can be a lifesaver during emergencies when access to these necessities is compromised.
Having a plan and the necessary supplies at hand not only ensures survival but also provides a sense of control in unpredictable situations, reducing stress and anxiety. Every family must prioritize creating an emergency plan and building an adequate supply kit for home and on the road.
Additionally, having a plan and supplies ready in advance will give you peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for any type of emergency.
IV. Best Emergency Food Storage Practices
Some best practices should be followed when creating your emergency food storage plan.
- Choose non-perishable foods, such as canned or other shelf-stable foods. Try to store what you already eat. If your kids love Spagettios store that. I like some of the shelf-stable meals that you can microwave. In a pinch, you can open and warm in a pot.
- Don’t count on frozen food. The power may be out. If you do have frozen food eat that first, along with any other perishables such as milk.
- Store the items in cool, dry places with temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rotate food every 6 months to ensure the expiration dates are respected and that food is often fresh. This is why for short-term emergency storage it is best to store food you already eat.
- Include items from all the major food groups to build a balanced diet for yourself and your family.
- Have enough food on hand to last at least 72 hours for each person and pet in your household in case you need to evacuate. This is the minimum.
- Generator and power supply to run it.
Following these best practices will help you ensure that your emergency food storage is always up to date and ready for anything. With a proper plan in place, you can rest assured knowing that you have what it takes to take care of your family no matter what comes your way.
It’s also important to remember to stay informed about potential disaster scenarios in your area and take necessary precautions if the situation arises. To that end having some alternative plan for communication such as a hand-crank radio might be wise.
The role of self-sufficiency during emergencies can never be overstated. Having access to food and water is essential for survival, so make sure you have the supplies necessary to provide for your family in an emergency. While it may seem overwhelming at first, planning ahead will help alleviate the strain of an unexpected event.
Take the time to assess your needs and create a plan that works for you and your
V. What to Store
- Key food items to store (canned foods, dried goods, etc.)
- It’s essential to take into account the dietary needs and preferences of each member of your household when building your emergency food supply.
- For those with specific dietary restrictions, such as allergies, diabetes, or gluten intolerance, ensure that you have an adequate supply of appropriate food items.
- If a family member follows a vegetarian or vegan diet, stock up on plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, and quinoa.
- For children, consider including some of their favorite non-perishable foods to bring a sense of normality in a stressful situation. Do you have babies who will need formula and baby food?
- For perishable items, consider investing in a good-quality cooler. In the short term it can keep perishable good for a few extra days, or medications in need of refrigeration to be stable good for long enough for help to arrive.
- Consider freeze-dried meals that only require water to prepare. You can find these online or in any camping store as they are popular with campers and hikers. You might want to try them out first just so you will know if you can tolerate them but I have heard many are quite good tasting and some companies even cater to special diets.
- Lastly, don’t forget about pet food if you have animals in your household.
Remember, the key to successful emergency food storage is to store what you eat and eat what you store. This way, nothing goes to waste, and you are familiar with the meals you’ll have during an emergency.
Finally don’t forget food safety. Food left out without refrigeration is unsafe after two hours. When in doubt best to throw it out.
The best place to go for freeze dried staples is the LDS online food store. You don’t have to be a member of the LDS church to buy and their shipping last I ordered was a flat 3.00 !! I get nothing from them for recommending them. It’s just a very good deal for staples.
VI. Water Storage and Sterilization
Storing water is just as crucial as storing food during emergencies. The general guideline is to store at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days. However, for hot climates or for individuals with special needs, this amount may need to be increased.
For water storage, you can either purchase commercially bottled water or store it yourself. If choosing the latter, use only food-grade water storage containers that have been cleaned and sanitized. You can also use two-liter plastic soda bottles, thoroughly cleaned with soapy water and rinsed completely so no residue remains.
Sterilizing your stored water is important to ensure it is safe for consumption. There are several methods for water sterilization.
- Boiling: This is the simplest and safest method. Boil water for at least one minute to kill most types of pathogens.
- Chlorination: Household liquid bleach can be used to kill microorganisms. Use only regular, unscented chlorine bleach products that are suitable for disinfection.
- Water purification tablets: These tablets can be bought at any camping store or Walmarts.
- Water purification straws: Very easy to use and very reliable and can be bought cheaply on Amazon or at any camping store.
- Distillation: This involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back into the water. The condensed vapor will not include salts and other impurities.
Remember, in an emergency where you do not have access to safe water, always err on the side of caution – sterilize any water whose safety is uncertain.
VII. Essential Supplies for Food Preparation
The list:
- Portable stove
- Supply of propane
- Matches
- Lighters
- Pots and pans
- Manual can opener
- Reusable plates bowls, cups and cutlery
- Portable grill
- Dish soap and cloths
- Garbage bags
Just as food and water are vital during emergencies, so too are the tools and utensils necessary for their preparation. Your emergency kit should include a set of basic cookware and utensils, such as a portable stove, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and a manual can opener. Assume the power will be off.
Also consider including a set of reusable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. These items are not only environmentally friendly but can also be cleaned and reused in long-term emergency situations.
For fuel, store a supply of propane or charcoal, and ensure you have waterproof matches or a lighter. Also include a compact, foldable grill if you need to cook over an open fire.
Lastly, remember to pack a few essential items for cleaning up after meals. Small, travel-sized containers of dish soap, a few dishcloths, and some garbage bags will come in handy to keep your cooking and eating areas clean, which is crucial to avoid attracting pests or creating unsanitary conditions.
VIII. Hygiene Considerations During Emergencies
The list:
- Toilet paper
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Feminine hygiene
- Hand Soap
- Liquid soap for clothes
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- 5 Gallon bucket and trash bags
- First aide kit
While not directly about food storage most hygiene products are bought at the grocery store. importance of maintaining hygiene cannot be overstated during disaster situations. Poor hygiene can lead to the spread of diseases, further compounding the challenges already faced. Thus, your emergency kit should include basic hygiene products. These include items like toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes or hand sanitizers for times when water may not be readily available for washing hands. Remember the great toilet paper shortage during Covid? I had no issues as I keep a good supply on hand!
An important consideration is waste management. Easily sealable plastic bags can serve as temporary waste disposal solutions. Trash bags and a 5-gallon bucket can serve as a toilet if the water is out. Also consider including a travel-sized first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers. Include things such as eyewash and ear drops. Also, over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl and other cold flu medications. Don’t forget children need child dosed medications.
In conclusion, while the basics like food, water, and shelter are fundamental in emergencies, never underestimate the vital role of hygiene in maintaining health and morale during trying times.
IX. Making an Emergency Kit
The List:
- Important documents
- Fist aide supplies
- Food
- Water
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Hand crank radio
- Medications
- Chargers for phones
- Power banks for phones
- Backpacks for each family member
- Back pack with pet supplies
- Lighters and matches
- Food cooking/eating kit
- Rain gear
- Set of clothes
- Extra blankets
Having all the necessary supplies in one place will prepare you for any emergency situation. It is important to put together a comprehensive emergency kit containing items such as food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights and batteries, battery-powered or hand crank radio, necessary medications, copies of important documents and keys. Have these kits in predetermined easy-to-access areas in the house. Consider making a similar kit for each car.
X. Conclusion
In conclusion, the vigilant storage of food and water is an indispensable strategy in emergency preparedness. To reiterate, it’s crucial to have a substantial stock of non-perishable foods and a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Remember to consider special dietary needs while selecting food items. To maintain the quality of your stored water and food, keep them in a cool, dry place and monitor their expiration dates consistently. Equally important is maintaining sanitation in cooking and eating areas to prevent the onset of disease. The aim is to ensure self-sufficiency during crises when regular resources may not be readily available. In essence, conscientious planning and preparation can significantly mitigate the hardships faced during emergencies.
For more about food storage and food preservation check here.
For information on short term food safety such as how long is butter good out of the fridge, click here.
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