No one likes to think about an emergency or disaster, but it can happen to any of us. Whether we experience a flood, major storm, earthquake, fire or war, it may be a few days before life returns to normal. In the meantime, you need to be prepared with flashlights, batteries and even a portable radio. While you are remembering all of the necessities, don't forget the food.
Water
In emergency situation, water supplies may become contaminated and you may not have access to a water supply. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you should stock 1 gallon of water, per person, per day for a minimum of thee days. If you have pets, consider their water needs for an emergency.
Canned Foods
Canned foods are the best choices to stock up on in preparation for an emergency, due to their long shelf life. Canned meats, such as tuna or chicken and canned beans are all great sources of protein. Canned vegetables are better than having no vegetables to eat, as they will provide you with energy and fiber. Look for low-salt versions to help combat dehydration during times when water may be scarce. Canned fruits, packed in their own juices and without added sugars, are also wise choices. Make sure you also pack away a hand-held can opener.
Canned Drinks
Small cans or individual serving boxes of juices, such as apple or punch, do not need refrigeration, and you do not need to open your entire supply at once, preventing the chance of unnecessary waste. When it comes to milk, powdered milk is your best option, as you can mix it with water and it has a long shelf life. You may even want to add some cans of premixed diet meal drinks to your kit, as they contain a good supply of vitamins and minerals.
Special Foods
Bread does not have a long shelf life, but you can use boxes of crackers or rice cakes in your kit. A jar of peanut butter will also be welcome in an emergencyl. If you have members of your household with special needs, make sure to consider these needs when stocking your supplies. For example, if your mother would be with you in an emergency, and she is diabetic, make sure you have some low sugar alternatives for her to drink, as well as canned food that is packed without added sugar. If there are infants in the household that rely on infant formula, be sure to have two or three extra canisters of powdered formula, as well as several jars or packets of baby food that do not need to be refrigerated or heated.
Don't forget your pets. Canned pet food has a longer shelf life than dry, but you could stock dry food for an emergency by leaving it sealed, and then putting the sealed container inside a plastic bag or bin.
Comfort Foods
Keep some comfort food stocked in your emergency kit, recommends the NC State University Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery program. The items they recommend are cookies, lollipops, hard candies, instant coffee and tea bags. Granola bars, prepackaged breakfast bars and diet energy bars are also good choices. Everyday condiments, such as salt and pepper, as well as ketchup and mustard, can also make a rough situation feel better. Don't forget to add paper plates, cups and plastic utensils.
Refresh the items in your kit every six months, and each time you do, be thankful that you have not had to use them.
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