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Disaster can strike anywhere, at anytime, with little or no warning. When it does, will you be prepared to survive? Food and water are vital to survival. Having access to them after a major disaster will keep you healthy and fit, enabling you to wait for assistance.

Being prepared means having food and water on hand. Start by storing non-perishable food items in an emergency pantry. Use water tight, resealable plastic bins, small enough to be carried easily when full of food. If you have to move from your place of safety, you can bring your food along with you.

Planning

Plan enough food and water for 15 days for each person, then add in food and water for three more people. Unless you believe an emergency is imminent, you can build up your pantry over time.

Purchase water in sealed, one and five gallon containers. Store some five gallon containers and some one gallon jugs in case you have to leave your home. A sedentary adult requires three liters of water a day, while an active adult may require up to five or even six in very warm climates. Plan accordingly.

Remember that adults require a minimum of 1800 to 2200 calories per day to maintain their weight. Also remember that it will still be important to maintain a balanced diet. Foods that are high in calories will help maintain nutrition in difficult situations. Remember to include proteins, carbohydrates and fats, regardless of how you stock your supply.

Three Emergency Options

Canned foods are easy to store, last a long time and can be eaten right from the can without cooking. A wide variety of foods are available from all the food groups. Glass containers may break easily and rely on seals to keep the food safe. A can of beans can float in water for months and be safe to eat. A glass jar can't be trusted to do the same. The drawback to canned foods is their weight, which makes them less easily transported. Be sure to include a can opener.

Dehydrated foods are another option. Pack them in large, watertight bags for storage. Dehydrated foods last a long time and are easy to carry. Their main drawback is that they need to be re-hydrated before they are eaten. When water supplies are scarce, this can be a problem. Some dehydrated foods also need to be cooked before being eaten. A good tip is that using your water supply to rehydrate foods counts towards your daily intake.

A third option are Meals Ready to Eat. Called MREs by our troops, these military meals are nutritious and each meal supplies

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