In the event of a disaster, prepare for potential prolonged power outages by storing non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dried mixes, and other essential supplies that can be consumed without the need for cooking, refrigeration, water, or specific preparations. Remember to have a manual can opener and eating utensils readily available.
Suggested Emergency Food Supplies
When assembling your emergency food supplies, take into account the following factors:
- Store at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Choose foods your family will eat.
- Remember any special dietary needs.
When choosing emergency food supplies, we recommend considering the following items, which you might already possess.
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
- Protein or fruit bars
- Dry cereal or granola
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit
- Canned juices
- Non-perishable pasteurized milk
- High-energy foods
- Food for infants
- Comfort/stress foods
Food Safety and Sanitation
Food stored in refrigerators and freezers can become unsafe if there is no electricity or cold source available. Consuming these foods can result in severe illness as bacteria rapidly multiply at temperatures ranging from 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Thawed food is generally safe to consume if it remains sufficiently cold, while it can be refrozen if ice crystals are still present. It is important to follow the adage “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Do:
- Keep food in covered containers.
- Keep cooking and eating utensils clean.
- Throw away any food that has come into contact with contaminated flood water.
- Throw away any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more.
- Throw away any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
- Use ready-to-feed formula. If you must mix infant formula use bottled water or boiled water as a last resort.
Don’t:
- Eat foods from cans that are swollen, dented or corroded, even though the product may look safe to eat.
- Eat any food that looks or smells abnormal, even if the can looks normal.
- Let garbage accumulate inside, both for fire and sanitation reasons.
Cooking
During times of emergency, various alternative cooking sources such as candle warmers, chafing dishes, fondue pots, or a fireplace can be utilized. It should be noted that charcoal grills and camp stoves are suitable for outdoor purposes exclusively. In addition, commercially canned food can be consumed directly from the can without the need for heating.
To warm up food contained in a can:
- Remove the label.
- Thoroughly wash and disinfect the can. (Use a diluted solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water.)
- Open the can before heating.
Managing Food without Power
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if it is unopened.
- Refrigerated or frozen foods should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for proper food storage.
- Use a refrigerator thermometer to check temperature.
- Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than four hours.
- Discard any perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more.
Dry Ice Usage:
- Know where you can get dry ice prior to a power outage.
- Twenty-five pounds of dry ice will keep a 10 cubic foot freezer below freezing for three to four days.
- If you use dry ice to keep your food cold, make sure it does not come in direct contact with the food.
- Use care when handling dry ice. Wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury.
10 ITEMS TO KICK START YOUR LONG TERM FOOD STORAGE PLAN
Rice is an essential component of any food storage plan, despite its reputation for being mundane. It is both satisfying and nutritious, and when paired with different seasonings and condiments, it can be transformed into a plethora of delectable dishes. Whether you prefer white, brown, or a mixture of both is entirely your decision. While white rice boasts a lengthier shelf life, brown rice offers superior nutritional advantages. In my own home, I prefer to blend the two types with Jasmine, Basmati, and Calrose sticky rice for added variety.
Pinto beans, weighing 20 pounds, serve as a crucial component in any food storage strategy, just like rice does. While white, kidney, or alternative varieties of dried beans can be used as substitutes, in my honest opinion, pintos are not only among the most affordable options but also the most delicious.
When purchasing vegetables, consider buying 20 cans of green beans, peas, corn, and canned tomatoes based on your taste preference and financial means. Choose the ones that you already consume and relish.
You have the option to choose 20 cans of Fruit, such as peaches, pears, pineapple, or fruit cocktail. Adding fruits to our lives brings a pleasant sweetness, which is something we all need more of nowadays.
You can satisfy this need with 20 cans of different types of meat, such as chicken, tuna, shrimp, salmon, Vienna sausages, beef stew, and even the popular Spam. It’s interesting to note that you can even buy canned roast beef. Once again, make your choices based on your preferences and budget, as there are numerous options available in canned meat products.
We are referring to a comforting bowl of oatmeal that Mom used to warm your tummy when you were a child. This delightful meal can be savored any time of the day, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, when topped with canned fruit. Don’t forget to grab 4 pounds of oats!
Having two large jars of Peanut Butter is a great idea. Peanut butter provides ample protein, calories for energy, and is irresistible in its deliciousness. Although its long-term shelf life is not extensive, it is still an ideal choice for emergency food storage within a one-year timeframe. To ensure its freshness, it is important to consume the oldest jar first and regularly replace it. Following this practice will guarantee that you are well-prepared.
You need to purchase two large jars of Tang or any other powdered drink mix. The important thing is to choose something that you enjoy and that is enriched with Vitamin C.
Powdered Milk, weighing 9.5 pounds, is a highly nutritious source of protein and other essential nutrients. Moreover, it possesses the ability to satiate one’s hunger and can be employed to enhance the taste of oatmeal or coffee when blended in.
It is undeniable that salt is crucial for survival, weighing 5 pounds. In addition to being a food enhancer, salt serves various purposes. It is worth noting that our bodies require salt in order to live.
