Stocking up on food can help you through a crisis.
Stocking up enough food to feed your family in times of crisis is something every household should consider doing. This doesn't mean stocking up on unrecognizable dehydrated food packets or vacuum-packed astronaut chow; keeping a steady rotating supply of nutritious non-perishable food items that your family actually enjoys is key. Having a fully stocked pantry may be the one thing that ensures your family's survival when disaster does strike. Does this Spark an idea?
Dehydrated/Shelf Stable Foods
When deciding what foods should go into your storage, keep in mind that everything should be shelf-stable (meaning no refrigeration is required). Foods like cereal, rice, flour and pasta are staples that store well for a long period of time. Pasteurized fruit juices should always be kept on hand. Dried noodle soups are quick and easy to prepare, but should be used sparingly in a disaster situation if your water supply is cut off. If that is the case you will then be relying on limited amounts of bottled water, and the extreme saltiness of noodle soups and bouillon can make you very thirsty. Consider stocking dehydrated milk, powdered drink mixes and instant coffee for a little variety. Having simple seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs and spices will help boxed meals be a little less boring.
Canned Goods
Having a wide variety of canned goods in a survival pantry will provide much needed variety and nutrition. Canned vegetables offer color, texture and many vitamins and minerals. When cooking a meal, substitute the water from canned vegetables for fresh water to help stretch bottled water further. Choose canned fruits that are packed in their own juice rather than syrup; they are healthier and provide extra refreshment. Canned meats will provide protein and sustenance. For an easy, ready to eat meal, keep canned pastas and unconcentrated soups on hand. Jars of pasta sauce take up little space and have many different uses in the kitchen. Keep a manual can opener with your canned goods.
Water
While not technically a food, water is essential for survival. One gallon of water per person per day should be kept for hydration and sanitary use; keep at least a three day supply of backup water in the home at all times. It is also good idea to keep extra water on hand specifically for cooking meals.
Non-Food Related Nutrition
Surviving a disaster takes a lot more thought than just storing extra food. Keeping a variety of multi-vitamins available for the whole family will supplement your diet with essential nutrients that may be lacking. Keep simple medications around, such as pain relieving and fever reducing tablets. Anti-diarrhea medications are useful when water supply is limited. If you have pets, include them in the emergency plans; stock up on pet food and be sure to count them as an extra person when determining how much water you need in your supply.
Tags: your family, bottled water, canned goods, noodle soups, water supply, will provide