Emergency Food Supplies
You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food
supply. You can use canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard
shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a
feeling of security in times of stress. Also, canned foods won't require
cooking, water or special preparation.
If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in protein,
and don't stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat
salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid
content. The following are recommended short-term food supplies.
Short-Term Food Supplies
Following a hurricane, electrical power may be out for at least several days,
making it difficult to buy food, therefore your emergency food supply should
last at least 72 hours. Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut
off your food supply for a greatly extended period, you might consider
preparing a supply that will last a week or longer.
The easiest way to develop an extended stockpile is to increase the amount of
basic foods that you normally keep on your shelves. Remember to compensate for
the amount you eat from other sources (such as restaurants and work lunches)
during an average period. You may already have an extended supply of food on
hand. Keeping it fresh is simple. Just rotate your supply once or twice a year.
Special Considerations to Keep in Mind
As you stock food, take into account your family's unique needs and tastes. Try
to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and
nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are
best.
Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as
will babies, toddlers and the elderly. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula,
in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may
be helpful for the ill or elderly. Make sure you have a can opener and
disposable utensils. And don't forget non-perishable foods for your pets.
How to Store Your Short-Term Stockpile
Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool (not
above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and not below freezing). To protect boxed foods
from pests and extend their shelf life, store the boxes in tightly closed cans
or metal containers.
Rotate you food supply. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with
fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the
storage area and older ones in front. Your emergency food supply should be of
the highest quality possible. Inspect your reserves periodically to make sure
there are no broken seals or dented containers.
How to Cook if the Power Goes Out
For emergency cooking you can use a fireplace, or a charcoal grill or camp
stove outdoors only. You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes
and fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat in
the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first.
Consider the amount of cooking time needed for particular foods. If you have
limited heat for cooking, choose foods that cook quickly. Do not cook frozen
foods unless you have ample heat for cooking. Most frozen foods require
considerably more cooking time and heat than canned goods.
Observe Health Precautions
If you are without refrigeration, open only enough food for one meal. Some
foods can be kept a short time without refrigeration. Cooked vegetables, meat,
and meat dishes can be kept unrefrigerated from noon until the evening meal. Do
not keep these dishes overnight without refrigeration.
Do not serve foods that spoil easily, such as ground meats, creamed foods,
hash, custards, meat pies, and any food containing mayonnaise. These foods are
high risk for botulism poisoning.
If necessary, substitute canned and powdered milk for fresh milk. Canned milk
will keep safely for a few hours after you open the can. If you are using milk
to feed a baby, open a fresh can for each bottle. Use only boiled or distilled
water to mix powdered milk. Use powdered milk immediately after it is mixed.
Prepare and eat foods in their original containers, if possible. Water for
washing dishes may be scarce.