Food Prepping for Emergency
Keeping a stash of food is one of the simple means of preparing for an emergency. Experts recommend storing enough water and food for three days or so. One of the most important aspects of food storage is focusing on foods that provide the right balance of nutrients. Other factors include storing foods that stay edible over extended periods and take up little space in the storage location.
PLANNING
Locate the emergency food storage in a cool, dry and dark place. The most suitable locations include the basement, closet and garage. Determine the exact size of the room and which area will be used for food storage. Layout the space for easy access; plan where to put various items such as water, cans, boxes and bins. If necessary, install shelving.
SELECTION
The first thing to store for an emergency is water. A person can live for weeks without food. On the other hand, a person can only survive a few days without water. FEMA recommends storing a gallon of water for a person, per day. This can take up a lot of storage space particularly for long-term stockpiles.
Stock up enough carbohydrates. Foods rich in this nutrient help in case of an emergency. People can get their calories by eating rice, grains and pasta among others. These foods can be purchased from various stores such as Costco, Honeyvillegrain (online), Sam’s Club, Augason Farms, Walton Feed and LDS canneries among others. Another very cheap way to get bulk food is cracked corn from your local feed store for around $15.00 for a fifty pound bag. But most likely won’t be organic, easy and quick to store for an emergency scenario. These stores offer different options for purchase of canned foods. People can buy canned foods from stores or order online and get them shipped to their destinations. If the store has the option, buy containers of food with the Gamma Seal bucket lid. This is a great lid for preserving the food, making it air tight.
Stock meat and beans; these foods are rich in proteins. Protein bars can also be a useful source of proteins and other dietary needs. Ensure that about a third of the stored foods are proteins. Supplement with powdered eggs, vegetables, dehydrated foods, dried milk and other dehydrated ready-to-eat foods. This is one of the most ideal means of saving on space. Though dried beans take up less space than canned beans, dried beans require more water storage to cook them while canned beans do not.
Set aside sweeteners and other spices. Tasteless foods can be monotonous to eat. Include olive or corn oil for adding taste to cooked food. Store up basic utensils for preparing and serving food. Ensure to box up can openers, a few cups and other eating utensils. Also, store a butane stove and cooking fuel.
STOCKING
People need iodine from salt to survive, so salt is very important to have in bulk. Ten pounds of salt per family member is recommended. Depending on the food you buy, the items might have salt as an ingredient, like some canned food. Large bulk items like beans and rice don’t have added salt. Also, spreading some salt outside will attract wild game for hunting.
Water should be stored in a large plastic drums fitted with a pump. Select a bucket design that takes up less space. Place rice, dried beans and other foods in vacuum sealed containers. Keep the foods safe from vermin and insects by storing them in plastic or metal bins with sealable lids. Cans and jars should ideally be stored in shelves. Line them up by type and with the labels facing forward for easy search. Rotate foods in long-term storage as new foods are bought to avoid spoilage.
Various stores sell complete ready-to-eat foodstuffs online or from outdoor supply stores. Though these foods are relatively costly than basic foodstuffs, they are simple and tasty all-in-one solutions. The foods are usually stored in cans and vacuum sealed foil packs and pouches and some can remain fresh for more than a year.
One of the simplest ways of setting up an emergency food supply is to order cartons of basic rations. These foods are packaged as individual servings designed to provide basic nutrients and calories needed for survival. This is a quick alternative for setting up an emergency food supply.
In addition to the foods, store up on medication for simple illnesses such as colds, cough, and headaches among others. Rotate the drugs when the subscription is renewed. Dents may compromise the seal of cans allowing the food to spoil.
FOOD FOR AN EMERGENCY
It is advisable to always have reserves of food and water in case of an emergency. When buying food for an emergency, select those with a long shelf life. Here are a few tips on what to store for an emergency.
Canned Foods:
Canned meat, beans and soups typically have a shelf life of a year or more. Canned fruits, juices and vegetables also remain fresh for years. Those with a sweet tooth can store canned hard candy and nuts to supplement main meals. Canned foodstuffs should be stored in airtight containers with sealable lids to keep the food fresh and edible as well as prevent pests from invading the food.
Dried Fruits:
Dried fruits provide certain essential nutrients such as vitamins and iron. In addition, they act as natural sweeteners. Freeze-dried fruits do not require preparation though one needs to rehydrate the fruits to soften and bring out their natural flavor. Fruits can be rehydrated by dipping them in water and heating for a few minutes, though heating is not necessary.
Foods with indefinite Shelf Lives:
Certain foods have an indefinite shelf life. These include dried corn, wheat, rice, pasta, soybeans, sugar, salt, baking powder and vegetable oils among others. For an adventure race it did, I took a tablespoon of coconut oil. It’s a health food and has good fat for fuel. These foods can be stored for an indefinite period provided they are stored in dry, air tight containers. It’s not a good idea to expose oils to light. It’s best to store oil in a dark place.