Though the thought of a large-scale disaster can be terrifying, every household should be prepared for the worst. Emergency kits need to include first-aid, blankets, and clean clothes; but the most important items will always be food and water. Your home may be subject to earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, wind storms, or power outages. Whatever the case, the foods you have stowed away will have a major effect on your experience.

Three-Day Food Supply

For most emergencies, a three-day food supply will be enough. The items you choose should be non-perishable and easy to prepare. Foods that require the least amount of water are best. Pack multivitamins, canned foods (e.g., tuna, peaches, green beans); canned beverages (e.g., juice, powdered milk); foods that provide energy (e.g., granola, crackers, peanut butter); special needs foods (e.g. baby formula); and comfort foods (e.g., cookies, lollipops, tea mix). It should all be stored in a portable case with other emergency items. These include hygiene articles, flashlights, batteries, medication, water, etc. There should be 1 gallon of water for each person per day.

Two-Week Food Supply

In addition to the obvious - more food - a two-week emergency supply needs to include more nutritious options and balanced meals. Keep your emergency supply in one location, with a list of meals you plan on making each day. Make sure you have extra water for meal preparation. You may want to include MREs; instant rice and potatoes; peanut butter; jelly; canned fruits, vegetables, beans, and meat; broths; soup; bouillon cubes; instant pudding; powdered milk; dry cereal; granola; nuts; trail mix; oatmeal; beef jerky; and hard candy in your two week supply. Use permanent marker to note when the foods were bought and opened for the first time.

Frozen Foods

Frozen foods can be eaten during the first few days of certain emergencies. If you know the power will go out while you're home, you can take steps to preserve your frozen foods. Start by filling plastic jugs with water, and use them to fill empty spaces in your freezer. You want the freezer to be extra-full and well-insulated. Even without electricity, food will stay fresh for up to 3 days under these conditions. Also keep in mind: the longer you freezer door stays open, the shorter the life of your frozen foods will be. Cover the fridge with a blanket for extra insulation. First eat refrigerated foods, then move on to frozen foods. Non-perishables should be eaten last.

Emergency Kit Supplies

Your emergency food supply won't be very helpful if you can't open the containers. Keep a manual can opener in your kit, along with scissors and a knife for opening difficult plastic pouches. Next be sure to pack disposable plates, cups, and utensils in airtight plastic bags. If you plan on cooking without electricity, make sure your grill and fuel are also accessible. Remember, you should never grill inside; the carbon monoxide emissions can be fatal. Once you have your emergency kit together, start keeping track of when the foods were purchased. They need to be replaced every six months if you want to have a fresh emergency supply at your fingertips.

Learn more about this author, Shannon Beineke.
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