The Essential Emergency Food Storage Checklist Are You Ready for Anything

Introduction

In an emergency, having the right supplies is vital. Food-wise, having an emergency food-storage system is key to keeping you and your family fed for an extended period. Whether it's a natural disaster or long-term power cut, having an adequate food storage system gives peace of mind.

When disaster strikes, getting groceries might be impossible. To make sure you have all the necessary items, use this list as a guide. Look through it before shopping, to make sure your pantry has all the nutritious stuff, that will last without going bad:

• Canned goods
• Dried beans and legumes
• Grains, such as rice, quinoa, and oats
• Nuts and seeds
• Dried fruits
• Cereals
• Soups and stews
• Herbs and spices
• Powdered milk
• Coffee and tea
• Oil, salt, and sugar

Types of Food to Store

When it comes to emergency food storage, the type of food you should include depends on how long the emergency lasts and your family's nutritional needs. For health, it's important to store a variety of food.

This section will discuss the types of food to include in the checklist. These foods provide essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals:

• Grains
• Protein
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Dairy
• Fats and Oils

Non-Perishable Foods

Non-perishable foods stay fresh for long. This means less risk of food going bad in an emergency. They are cheaper and easier to store and take up small spaces. Plus, you don't need a fridge or freezer! Here's what to stock:

• Grains: brown & white rice, quinoa, cornmeal
• Pastas: macaroni, spaghetti
• Baked Goods: crackers, tortillas
• Canned Goods: fruits & veg (esp. tomatoes), soups & stews
• Dry Beans: lentils, black beans
• Nuts & Root Veg: peanuts, walnuts, sweet potatoes
• Oils & Vinegars: veg oils (canola/olive), balsamic vinegars
• Dairy Alternatives: nut milks, agave syrup
• Protein Sources: peanut butter, canned tuna, salmon, protein powders, canned beans, jerky

Canned Foods

Canned foods are a must for any emergency food storage plan. Fruits and veggies make meals more nutritious, while canned meats like chicken, tuna, salmon, and sardines provide protein. Canned goods are safe to eat, as long as they were processed using pressure or heat. Don't forget to check expiration dates. Quality may degrade over time. Read USDA guidelines for safe storage of canned foods.

Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrating food is an awesome way to store it for long periods. The moisture is removed by air drying, oven drying, or when harvested and stored when the food is naturally low in moisture. It looks small and wrinkled when the moisture content is low – perfect for long-term storage.

Dehydrated food has a long shelf life – up to ten years or more with proper packaging. It keeps most of its vitamins, minerals, and flavor as it is not cooked after dehydration.

Examples of items that are typically dehydrated include:

• Fruits like apricots, apples, bananas, and cranberries
• Vegetables like carrots, onions, potatoes, and celery
• Meats like beef jerky and other cured meats
• Grains like wheat berries and other grains in flake form
• Legumes like lentils and kidney beans

Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are perfect for emergency food storage. They have a long shelf life and amazing taste. The process starts by freezing raw produce, meats or other foods to -60°F or colder. This removes moisture and stops bacterial growth. Then, the food is placed in a vacuum chamber at -90°F. This extracts remaining moisture, turning it into powder that can be stored for a long time.

No preservatives are added to freeze-dried foods, so they're better than canned goods. Vegetables can last up to 25 years and fruits can last even longer. Rehydrating them just involves adding water, and they usually look and taste the same as fresh food.

The downside is that freeze-dried food is more expensive than canned. But, it may be worth it if you're dealing with food waste or spoilage. Freeze-dried foods are a great way to get your emergency food supplies back under control without much effort or cost.

Other Foods

Grains, beans and dairy should be part of an emergency food storage plan. But there are other foods with a longer shelf life that you can add to your pantry. Canned veggies and fruits can last several years in a cool, dry place. Sweet items like pineapple, oranges and pears can also be stored. Plus, add spaghetti sauce, canned tuna/chicken, soups and stews for a variety of meals.

For those who want something more than just dry goods and cans, freeze-dried foods are a great option. Soup mixes, meats and vegetables come pre-packaged, and they maintain their nutrients with an extended shelf life.

Don't forget snacks! Granola bars are good for keeping spirits high and energy levels relaxed. Start building your meal ingredients for any disaster or emergency situation!

Storage Tips

Store food? Sure thing! Have food always ready. No matter what. Where to store it? That's the key. This article answers that. Plus, tips for keeping food safe and secure. Here's how to make an emergency food storage checklist. Check it out!

Temperature

Storing emergency food requires a cool and dry environment. Too much warmth will reduce the shelf life of canned goods and cause spoilage. Keep humidity levels low too. It's best to store emergency foods somewhere with controlled temperature and humidity like via climate or mechanical cooling.

Humidity

Humidity is key when storing food for emergencies. Too moist and mold will grow, too dry and spoilage will occur. Ideal humidity is between 40-60%. Ventilation and dehumidification may be needed. Food stored in sealed containers may need special attention due to humidity sensitivity.

Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers, depending on season and area. Monitor containers for excess moisture to prevent condensation build-up, which can lead to rapid food degradation. Keeping emergency food at optimal humidity will ensure maximum shelf life and quality. This gives peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

Expiration Dates

When choosing items for your emergency food storage, consider expiration dates. Depending on the food's type and freshness, you may need to rotate them or keep shelf-stable products.

Perishables should be store in a fridge or freezer at 5°F or lower. Don't overcrowd, use airtight containers to prevent contamination. Store canned goods between 45° – 85° F, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Group canned goods into “outfit” meals, considering their expiration dates. Most items have a two to five year expiration date. Check the label and make sure it hasn't expired. Frozen foods can last up to six months in a 0°F or lower freezer, unopened.

For an unexpected situation, store non-perishables like rice, pasta, peanut butter, nutritional bars with long shelf lives. These don't require refrigeration and have no expiration date – ideal for extended storage or an indefinite ‘ready-to-eat’ option.

Packaging

Gather supplies. Package them. Keeping food fresh is key. Consider cans and pouches. Advantages of cans: impermeable to water/air, easy to stack/store, protect from pests. Advantages of pouches: lighter weight, longevity, oxygen absorbers.

Certain foods need special packaging: freeze-dried meals need nitrogen flush, dehydrated fruits need gas flushing. Store at 50°F-70°F in sealed environment with no light/moisture. Label all items. Record for organizing. Know what needs to be used up for optimal freshness.

Storage Containers

When choosing storage containers for food, get ones specially made for food. Glass, stainless steel, and specific types of plastic are all good selections. Avoid used containers because they might not be safe and could introduce contamination.

• Glass is great since you can view the contents. Still, you must protect them since they can be fragile.
• Steel is ideal since it doesn't rust or scratch easily; however, you can't see inside without opening.
• Plastic must be food grade, BPA-free for safety and long-lasting.

For other items, like powders or liquids, select plastic cans with sealed lids, Mylar bags with inner aluminum layer plus outer polyester pouch, or buckets with tight lids. Make sure whatever packaging you pick is airtight so supplies remain dry, odor-free, and last as advertised.

Essential Supplies

Emergency food storage? Checklist time! Must have reliable sources of food, water and other must-have items. Let's explore what's needed for full comfort and preparation during an emergency. Get ready!

• Reliable sources of food
• Reliable sources of water
• Other must-have items

Water

Water is essential in any emergency. Stock 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, cleaning, and food prep. Stored water can last up to a year, but rotate it sooner if possible. Include a filter just in case the water source runs out or becomes contaminated. Charcoal or carbon filters remove particles but not bacteria. Invest in a reverse osmosis system for added protection against chemicals or biological contaminants. Have 3 gallons of clean drinking water per person ready in case of an emergency. Make sure all containers are labeled so they don't mix with untreated wastewater.

Cooking Supplies

Having the right cooking supplies is essential in any emergency. Here's what you need:

• A backup stove or cookware.
• Matches or lighters.
• Steel pot, skillet, and stockpot.
• Spatula and tongs.
• Space blankets.
• Extra fuel.
• Cooking accessories like aluminum foil, plates/cups/utensils.
• One or two large pots for water.
• Bucket with lid.
• Spoon/ladle/funnel/strainer.

Lighting

Stocking emergency food storage? Lighting is essential. Flashlights and glow sticks are two types of light sources that come in handy during a power outage. Both have benefits, but have pros and cons too.

• Flashlights provide bright, efficient light lasting several hours. You can find various sizes – from pocket to Maglite models. Rechargeable flashlights don't need fuel, making them ideal for long-term plans.
• Glow sticks are simple and lightweight. They provide illumination without fuel or electricity. Available in many topics including wall-mounted. Usually last 6 hours or more. Glow sticks offer effective lighting solutions in areas with limited light resources, like deep woods or outdoor festivals.

Sanitation

Sanitation is a must-have in any emergency plan. Even if you don't have utilities or running water, you can still stay clean and hygienic. Here's a list of the supplies you'll need:

• Soap (bar soap is best, as it doesn't have water)
• Towels & washcloths
• Toilet paper, paper towels, hygiene products like wipes or towelettes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste (manual ones last the longest without water)
• Dental floss, mouthwash
• Hand sanitizer
• Cleansers, disinfectants
• Rubber gloves (optional)

These supplies can help you stay healthy during an emergency. It's also important to have a plan for getting, storing, purifying & transporting enough fresh water for everyone in your household.

First Aid

It's a must to have a good supply of first-aid supplies for emergency preparedness. From bandages to emergency blankets, having the right items will make sure you're ready for anything! Stock up on these essentials before a crisis arises.

Your first aid kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Safety razor blades
• Antibiotic ointment/cream
• Ice packs/cold compressions
• Antiseptic solution
• Latex gloves
• Any prescription medications/copies of prescriptions

Also, add some extra goodies like antibacterial wipes, hydrogen peroxide and antihistamine tablets. Assemble an emergency first aid kit today and be prepared to give medical assistance in case of an emergency!

Conclusion

No matter the emergency, be prepared! Use the emergency food storage checklist to guarantee resources for you and your family. Building a supply of emergency food now will protect your family in any disaster.

Follow the checklist. Rotate items and replace them when needed. Are you ready for anything? Peace of mind awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What foods should I include in my emergency food storage?

A: When putting together an emergency food storage, you should try to include items that are non-perishable, high in calories and nutrition, and easy to prepare. Staples such as rice, canned fruits and vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, and canned meats are great for providing energy and nutrition. It is also important to include items such as salt, sugar, and cooking oil for flavoring and cooking.

Q: How much food should I store?

A: How much food you store will depend on the size of your family and how long you plan on relying on your emergency food storage. As a general rule, you should aim to store enough food to last each member of your family for at least three months.

Q: How should I store my emergency food?

A: It is important to store your emergency food in airtight containers and in a cool, dark place to ensure the food stays fresh. You should also check your food periodically and rotate any items that are nearing their expiration date.