6 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

the time to break out some hard candy as a special treat. A jar of powdered breakfast drink and plenty of paper cups eases the "thirstys" - just make sure you have plenty of water in your supply. Granola, jerky, raisins and nuts, double-bagged in plastic will help the family through a few anxious hours. Saltines, bagged in zip-lock bags, make a convenient snack with the addition of peanut butter or cheese wiz.

For longer-term shelter, canned chili, canned pasta or stew will heat quickly and fill empty stomachs. Canned ham, beef or chicken in gravy, instant coffee, instant soup, instant rice, dehydrated potato flakes, dehydrated vegetables, dried milk and dehydrated egg powder can create filling nutritious meals in a hurry. The addition of salt and pepper, plastic tableware, paper plates, some Clorox wipes and diaper or alcohol wipes for clean-up will make sure everyone stays well-fed, healthy and reasonably hygienic. Paper towels, garbage bags and emergency toilet paper need to go in the tote, too.

Spend an evening thinking about the kind of meals you could make in a pinch for your family with these few supplies-you may think of additions or ideas to make your family's sheltering experience more pleasant-such as coloring books and crayons or a stuffed toy. And don't forget to plan for your family pets-canned or pouch foods store better without going stale or rancid. Make sure to plan for their water needs, too.

With a little pre-planning, your food needs will be one of the things you need not worry about in an emergency. Your family will be safe, well-fed and healthy. Who could ask for more?

Learn more about this author, Linda Sunkle-Pierucki.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Emergency food supplies: What you need?
We want to hear your view. Write now!