Emergency Food Resources Get Ready for Any Disaster with These MustKnow Tips

Introduction

Did you know an emergency can happen without warning? It's essential to be prepared. Have an emergency food supply prepped and stashed away. Non-perishable foods are key and have long shelf lives. Invest in freeze-dried, dehydrated meals and camping gear like cookers and utensils. Make sure your family has enough food, even if access to stores is limited.

This guide will cover:

• Importance of stocking up
• Benefits of freeze-dried meals
• Essential camping supplies

Let's get started!

Stock Up on Non-Perishable Items

Gathering non-perishables is essential. Canned goods, beans and rice are perfect for stocking your pantry. Here are tips to help you out in case of disaster:

1. Have a collection of non-perishables to hand.
2. Place canned goods, beans and rice in your pantry.
3. Be prepared for any eventuality.

Canned Foods

Canned foods are a fab addition for any emergency plan. They are easy to find and last a long time. Staples in your disaster stockpile could be: fruits, veggies, beans, fish, and meat.

Here are tips for the best canned food:

• Check expiry date when buying. Can store for years if stored right.
• Look for nutrition info on packaging or online.
• Choose low-salt choices for veggies and soup.
• Think beyond the usual canned foods. Groceries carry loads of items like non-dairy milk and veggie options like black bean burgers or jackfruit “tuna” salad.
• Regularly rotate stock. Older cans don’t exceed expiration date, and have the freshest supply available if an emergency arises.

Dried Foods

Dried food is an ideal choice for emergency supplies. It lasts a long time and takes up minimal space. Some dried foods can be reconstituted with hot or cold water, making nutritious meals a breeze.

Stock up on items like:

• Dry pasta
• Couscous
• Rice
• Oats
• Barley
• Quinoa
• Millet
• Wheat berries
• Bulgur wheat

When buying dried fruit or nuts, check if they are stored well and not old or rancid. Rancid food can cause illness if consumed.

Dried legumes like beans and lentils are a great option too. They provide protein without taking much space in an emergency stock.

Don't forget dehydrated vegetables like garlic powder, onion flakes, spinach powder and Brussels sprouts powder. These can add flavor to soups, stews and other dishes you prepare in a disaster.

Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are made by taking away most of the water. Then, they are frozen quickly to keep the nutrients and flavors. This method of food preparation will last for years without spoiling. It also keeps the shape, color and taste.

Freeze-dried foods are stored in plastic or foil packages that can be resealed. This makes them perfect for emergency kits. They don't need to be refrigerated and are light and easy to store.

Preppers like freeze-dried vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products. These have a long shelf life, so you have nutrition in emergencies. Read the directions on the packaging carefully for best use.

Grains

When stocking up on grains, keep an eye out for elbows, shells, tubettini, cous cous and oatmeal. Elbow macaroni and medium shell pasta are typically cheap and versatile. Tubettini has a longer shelf life than most pastas, making it great for long-term emergencies. Cous cous packs easily, making it a top choice for emergency kits. Having some quick cooking oatmeal on hand will give you a hot, hearty meal with minimal effort.

Make sure to buy grains that come in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed packages. This ensures they won't spoil over time.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are amazing! They're full of fat, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they keep you full during emergency situations and help prevent chronic diseases.

For long-term storage, unprocessed nuts – like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios – stay fresh for up to a year in sealed containers. Processed nuts, like peanut butter and mixed nuts, last even longer – up to two years! If you can't store them, freeze them to extend their freshness for weeks or months. When you buy them, check for expiration dates.

In an emergency, you can combine a variety of dried and fresh nuts and seeds with other nutrient-packed items like legumes, grains, and dried fruit and vegetables. Yum!

Powdered Milk

Powdered milk is a must-have in emergency supplies. It can be used right away, so it's perfect when liquid milk isn't available. It's also easy to store, as long as you keep it sealed and undisturbed.

The most common variety is made from cow's milk, coming in full-fat, 2%, and skimmed versions. You can get it instant or nonfat dry. There are also Dairy alternatives such as almond, oat, rice, and coconut milk powder. These don't need to be refrigerated like regular milk does.

Powdered milk is incredibly versatile. You can use it for baking and making sauces, gravies, and smoothies. It also doesn't need to be chilled – just kept away from air – so it stays usable much longer than regular cow's milk.

Oils and Fats

In an emergency, it is essential to have non-perishables. Items such as olive oil, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, margarine, and coconut oil should be included. Avocados too, as they are a great source of healthy fat and essential fatty acids.

Nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, and hazelnut butter are good shelf-stable snacks. They provide many nutrients and are a great energy source. Canned nuts are also beneficial. Check the dates before storing them away!

Other Non-Perishable Items

It's wise to stock up on non-perishable items like peanut butter, cereal, granola bars, crackers, nuts, seeds, wheat flour, dried grains and juice. These can last over a year in sealed containers. Cooking supplies like cooking oil, baking soda and baking powder are also important. Dry goods like salt, spices and herbs should also be kept.

Hygiene products, candles, flashlights, batteries, rubber gloves, water stoppers, matches and lighters should be in waterproof containers. Vitamins and first aid kits should also be included. You should store books with instructions for survival in your area. Aid may not arrive immediately after a disaster, so having these items is necessary. This will ensure your family has what they need if help is delayed.

Store Water

In case of an emergency, secure clean drinking water. To be prepared, store at least one gallon per adult and child. This should last 3 days with no access to potable water.

If you cannot access running water, it's even more important to have 2 weeks' worth. Consider these tips to store water safely and use it efficiently:

• Buy new gallons annually
• Keep containers away from direct sunlight or heat
• Lift them off the ground on shelves or racks
• Add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach with 1 gallon per month
• Siphon out 4 inches every 6 months and refill.

Create an Emergency Plan

Crafting an emergency plan is indispensable for making sure you and your family are ready for any disaster. Planning ahead is key! You must work out where to go and what supplies you will need to survive. This includes food, water, medicine, and more.

Here we'll look into how to make an emergency plan to make sure your family is prepared for any disaster:

Have a List of Emergency Numbers

It's important to keep a list of emergency numbers close by, in case of an emergency. Here are some of the important contacts to have:

• Emergency Response Services: Could be 911, 112 – mostly used in Europe – or a number from your local state/municipality.
• Local Hospitals and Medical Centers: Their phone number will give you access to critical medical resources.
• Friends & Family Contacts: Have the contact information of your closest family/friends, in case you need help during a crisis.
• Emergency Food Sources & Supplier Info.: List their contact info, such as emergency food sources, retailers, grocery stores, or other suppliers for assistance.
• Government Agencies & Departments: Have the numbers for federal, state or local agencies that can provide assistance, like fire/police departments, social services, etc.

Developing an emergency plan is key to staying safe. And having easily accessible contacts will help make sure resources are available when needed most.

Have an Emergency Contact List

In an emergency, you must prioritize the safety of your family. Have an up-to-date Emergency Contact List. Include family members and vital contacts like: local police/fire departments, health care providers, personal physicians, and other useful services.

Also, plan to ask people in your community for help if communication is limited. Write down who can provide food and shelter for your pet if necessary. Keeping this data ready can be a lifesaver when rapid decisions are needed.

Keep your Emergency Contact List handy. Leave a hard copy with someone living close by and store the digital version on the cloud. Make sure everyone in your home knows where it is. Having this info ready can save time and lives.

Have a List of Supplies

Having a plan and thinking through different scenarios makes it easier to get materials for your family's safety. Make a shopping list for emergency supplies. Get water, non-perishables, medicine, a battery-operated or crank radio, flashlights, batteries, blankets and more.

Store food in airtight containers, such as buckets with lids or mylar bags. Freeze-dried meals last when stored properly. Longer-term food reserves, like canned meats, vegetables, and fruits, can be kept at room temperature without quality loss.

Include high-calorie foods like peanut butter, energy bars, and trail mix. These don't need cooking or refrigeration and provide protein in an emergency.

Have an Evacuation Plan

An evacuation plan is key for your safety in a disaster. Choose a family meeting place close to your home, easy to find, and accessible with different transport modes. Make sure everyone living or visiting your home knows the meeting point. Consider how to transport kids, elderly family members, and pets if needed, including medical aid.

Pack crucial items like eyeglasses and meds, plus important docs like birth certificates and SS cards into evacuation bags. Store the bags at a safe place, so all members can access them quickly. Emphasize the necessity to evacuate quickly if local authorities order it, to ensure safety.

Conclusion

Make a plan in advance to be ready for any food disruption due to disaster. Know where you can get safe drinking water and store non-perishable items. Have at least 3-4 weeks of dry goods. Ensure your pantry is sealed away from pets and pests. Plan for power outages or other emergencies. If possible, get a multi-fuel generator for extreme weather or blackouts. Join a local CSA program for extra food. Take note of the climate, wildlife, and agricultural resources in your region.

Knowledge is power; being informed will ensure you are prepared for any disaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What emergency food resources are available?

A: There are a variety of emergency food resources available. Local food banks, community gardens, community-supported agriculture programs, and food pantries are all potential sources of food. Additionally, some cities and towns offer emergency meals and other assistance programs.

Q: What items should I include in my emergency food kit?

A: Your emergency food kit should include non-perishable items such as canned goods, dried beans and grains, peanut butter, and shelf-stable milk or milk substitutes. You should also include items that require no cooking such as energy bars, trail mix, and jerky. Additionally, it is important to include items that can be used to cook meals such as a camping stove, fuel, matches, and utensils.

Q: How can I prepare for an emergency?

A: Preparing for an emergency should include creating an emergency food kit and supplies, having an evacuation plan, and staying informed about potential risks in your area. It is also important to stay connected with family and friends and to ensure that all members of your household have access to emergency contact information.