Emergency Food -
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If you purchase a survival kit, it will likely come with at least a couple days worth of food and water. This is a good starting point, especially if it's for your car. But you should definitely add to it for your home.
An emergency water supply is also important, and that's why it's first on the list below. Store plenty of water to keep each person hydrated. Consider purchasing an emergency water purifier as well. It is not as likely to be used, but may be a life saver if something happens to your supply of drinking water.
Here are some basic considerations:
- Water - should be at least 3 gallons per person, preferably more
- If you stock dehydrated food, keep extra water as needed
- If you stock food that must be cooked, then you should have a campstove and fuel
- You may also want to set aside light weight cooking pots and pans
- Utensils and drinking cups should be included
- Cleaning supplies are also good to have ready to go
- You should include foods that do not need to be cooked or prepared
- If you take any medications, be sure to have plenty on hand (in major disasters medications can be very difficult to purchase)
- Stock up on over-the-counter drugs if you are used to taking them
- Be sure your infant is stocked up on formula and baby food
- If you "need" a little help in the morning - instant coffee
- If you have canned goods, use a non-electric can opener
- If you're stocking your home pantry, take time to add some variety
- Don't forget to check expiration dates and replace old food
Specific foods that work well (no cooking involved):
- Dried fruit
- Canned fruit
- Canned fruit juices
- Dry cereal
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Peanut butter
- Beef jerky
- Canned tuna
Download a free copy of this emergency food list! You will need Adobe Reader to open and read it. The reader is available for download here.
You can also purchase ready-to-go emergency meals. They are available separately (apart from survival kits) and are a great way to enjoy delicious family meals. See the online store for more details.
We recommend you maintain a variety of emergency foods and lots of them. Some people lose their appetites during a crisis and this may help develop interest. Others may eat too much as a form of comfort so a large stock will prevent running out.
Good tasting food can also take the focus off of the tragedy and put it on the meal. The psychological benefits may be as important as the sustenance they provide.
Remember disaster preparedness survival food is just that - food for survival. So even if you cannot afford the better tasting survival foods, stock up on some of the less expensive choices. Such as those listed above in the emergency food list.
