Image source: Taste of Home
With all the disasters and crises happening around the world today, it is always advised to stock up some food for thriving and surviving.
Disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes may appear without a warning, but this does not also limit to losing a job.
Have you already thought of preparing your pantry for emergencies? Have you listed down your Emergency Food Kit that will last for approximately 30-days, the least?
Browse the list below and start stocking up on food items before you realize it’s too late. What is an Emergency Food? An Emergency Food is a food stored as a kit for emergencies.
It can be stocked up in a kitchen pantry, in a car, or in any food-safety kit. With a possibility of losing power supply during these times, refrigeration may not be available.
Contents
Why Is It Important to Store Emergency Food?
It is always important to stock on these foods to ensure survival until help arrives, or until the food source clears up.
What Type of Food to Prepare
The amount and type of food should consider some factors, like the household members’ age group, dietary needs, food preferences, and preparation.
When it comes to a crisis, cooking with equipment may not always be available nor safe all the time due to power loss, or worse, open
gas flames that may result in an explosion. In this case, you need to prepare the following types of Emergency Food to store for the following:
Foods That Do Not Require Cooking
These foods are easier to handle because most of them are dried. There is no need for plates or utensils. Just pop open the packaging and it’s ready to eat.
Ready-to-eat Emergency Food
- Rice cakes
- Canned meat, fish, fruits, or vegetables
- Crackers
- Cereals
- Protein bars or granola bars
- Jarred food (Beets, Pickles, etc.)
- High-energy food like Peanut butter, jams, nuts, and trail mix
- Powdered or Canned milk
- Seaweed
- Dried vegetables
- Honey
- Dried Meat like Beef Jerky
Canned foods items are not easily perished or damaged for as long as there is no bulging or leaking. For your pantry, replace canned goods within 12 to 18 months
Types of Food That May Still Require Heating, Cooking, or Additional Water Support
To avoid dehydration, it is still important to consume warm food to balance a meal each day. Too many sweets or saltiness in the food may increase thirst, therefore, remember to stock foods that are high in nutritional value.
Moreso, consider the allergens it may bring to a person with food sensitivities.
- Soup Stocks-in a Cup
- Canned Soups
- Instant Meals
- Bouillon Cubes
- Instant Cereals
- Pasta
- Couscous
- Red lentils
- Grains like Rice, barley, among others
- Dried beans and legumes
- Meals-in-a-box
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Ramen Noodles (they usually have a longer shelf life, around 2 years)
How Many Stockpiles of Water Is Needed for Emergencies?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends stocking at least 1 gallon of water per day for every person.
It is like saving a half-gallon for drinking, while the other half would be used for cooking, hygiene, and other purposes. In extreme weather conditions or situations, children, as well as people with special needs, will require more.
Top Emergency Supplies to Prepare:
- First Aid Kit
- Can Opener
- Knife
- Air-tight containers
- Insulated bags or boxes
- Eating Utensils
- Lighter / Matches
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Whistle
- Mask (Dust Mask or other hazard-preventing masks)
- Maps
- Battery-powered Radio
- Books, puzzles, or other activities for children
- Supplies for your pet
- Wrench or pliers
TIPS
- Store your food and emergency supplies away from rodents, insects
- To protect it from flood, keep it out of reach where a flooding spot is possible ● Keep the food in a cool, dry place
- List down an inventory of groceries and prioritize buying the food items with the longest shelf life.
- Start stocking up on grocery items like canned goods, dry mixes, or other supplies that do not require a lot of refrigeration or special preparation
- Label down the expiration dates and replace them as needed
- When the budget is tight, purchase your grocery items with special deals or those in bulk. The advantage of ordering at an Asian Food Store online is that the expenses can be controlled.
- Every year, the needs of every person are changing. Update Emergency Kits as possible
The Takeaway
Disaster or crisis preparation must always be done with a plan. They come without a warning, therefore it’s best to stock and saves up 30 days’ worth of food and water in case of emergencies.
