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Life is made up of the unexpected: severe storms, wildfire, flooding - all create emergency situations where one must either leave the family home or be prepared to shelter in place. Recently pandemic, terrorism and possible social unrest have been added to the events many feel the need to prepare for. Government efforts at helping citizens prepare for the unexpected have concentrated on making sure you have battery-operated or crank radio, flashlight, cell phone, cash, water, first aid kit, extra blankets - and ready-to eat food supplies. It is this last item that most families are unsure how to plan for and store. It's really not that hard to do:

A secure, watertight container for food and supplies can be created with a plastic storage tub and tight-fitting lid. A large tote can hold enough supplies for the average family for a week or more, with careful planning. Your survival tote can be stored in the area where your family plan calls for sheltering from tornadoes or high winds, yet easily carried to the car if you must leave home unexpectedly. A cargo strap around the container assures it won't be accidentally opened.

Emergency food storage need not be expensive or difficult to plan for. Most items can be found at your local grocery or sporting goods store. The freeze-dried food systems are ideal for a three-day survival situation but bear in mind they are expensive and require both water for rehydration and a cooking source. Portions are skimpy. Heater meals contain their own heat source, but can be prohibitively expensive and don't contain enough food to satisfy a healthy appetite. When the adrenaline is flowing, those under stress burn more calories and need more food, not less.

The small heater units that fit on top of a propane lantern base and cylinder work well in a pinch for quickly heating small amounts of food. A small pan or a #10 metal can will serve as a heat and serve unit. Make sure to toss in a pot holder, manual can opener, a package of Styrofoam bowls and some simple cooking utensils. Short-term sheltering likely wont require any cooking at all.

Many common foods work well for emergency storage kits: shelf-stable milk in cartons is now available in many supermarkets and is a necessity with young children. Available in quarts, this must be refrigerated after opening so plan your meals carefully-you likely will have no refrigeration. Pre-sweetened cereal in plastic bags will keep kids satisfied for several hours. And, now might be

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