If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, it is essential to have an emergency food and water supply. According to experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is advisable to maintain a three-day supply of emergency food and water per individual.
Joel Haman, Nebraska Medicine Emergency Preparedness coordinator, suggests that the majority of individuals already possess several days’ worth of food in their pantry and refrigerator. However, when planning for an emergency, it is advisable to aim for a minimum of two weeks to a month of food storage and take into consideration the needs of children.
To prevent your emergency food supply from spoiling too soon, ensure that you store it properly. According to Haman, keep the food in a cool, dry area and away from temperature changes.
In addition to having an emergency food supply, it is important to also have an emergency water storage. Haman suggests beginning with storing at least seven days’ worth of water per person. One gallon of water per person per day is the recommendation by experts.
Similar to storing your food supply, it is important to keep your water in a cool and dry location. According to Haman, it is essential to prevent the water from becoming hot as this could result in the seeping of chemicals. Additionally, it is crucial to utilize food-grade plastics for water storage, as these types of plastics are specifically designed for this purpose and do not release chemicals into the water supply like other plastics do.
Prioritize Water
When stocking up on water for emergencies, the first thing to ensure is that you have an ample supply of it. While humans can survive for several weeks without food, they can only go without water for two to four days. It can be challenging to determine the safety of tap water during emergencies as it may be contaminated. Therefore, there are a few factors to consider when accumulating water.
How Much Water to Store
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that one gallon of water per person per day should be kept for a minimum of three days. If individuals are pregnant, unwell, or live in hot areas, they might require more than one gallon of water daily.
It is advisable to have extra water readily available for hygiene purposes. Maintaining cleanliness through handwashing and basic showers can be beneficial in avoiding sickness during emergencies, particularly when there is a risk of pipe damage leading to mold growth and the spread of airborne diseases.
When considering the pets in your household, keep in mind that they require around one ounce of water for every pound they weigh per day. Therefore, if you have an 8-pound pet, it is advisable to store one cup of water each day for multiple days.
Bottled Water vs. Sanitized Water
If you have a sufficient amount of storage space, it is advisable to rely on unopened commercially bottled water as the most dependable source for drinking water.
If you cannot store sufficient bottled water, you have the option to purify tap water using either bleach or iodine tablets. Although it may seem illogical, adding a small amount of bleach to water can effectively eliminate bacteria without causing any harm to humans. The CDC advises adding one teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach per quart of water.
An alternative choice for purifying water is commercially produced iodine tablets, which can be bought online or at select department stores. To determine the appropriate amount of water to be mixed with each tablet, refer to the instructions on the packaging.
Foods to Store for an Emergency
There are multiple types of foods that are most suitable for an emergency supply. For an emergency, it is recommended to stock up on five essential foods, which are:
- Canned goods – “The number one food item I recommend for anyone preparing for an emergency is canned foods because they can last many years,” says Haman. “You’ll want various canned goods, including different meats, fruits, and vegetables”
- Dry foods – “You can also supplement your canned foods with dry foods such as beans, rice, and lentils,” says Haman. Additionally, wheat berries, which you can store for up to 25 – 30 years, are an excellent source of protein and fiber
- Nuts and nut butter – Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and other nuts and their butter forms are another long-lasting, nutrition-packed food source
- Jerky – Dried meat, or jerky, is another good, long-lasting food. You can also buy fruit jerky to supplement your supply of canned fruit
- Freeze-dried foods – “If you have the money to spend on it, freeze-dried food is amazing for long-term storage,” says Haman. “It can last over 25 years, and you can get almost any freeze-dried food, including fruit, peanut butter, cereal, and milk”
You should also make sure to have food available for family members with specific dietary requirements, infants, and pets, alongside these five foods.
Canned Foods Have the Longest Shelf Life
Canned goods are a prime choice for food that can be stored for a long time. It is recommended to gather a variety of beans, vegetables, meat, and fruit in your stockpile. It is crucial to have a diverse assortment of canned food items since it is uncertain how much time you will need to depend on them for sustenance. Maintaining a well-balanced diet to sustain your energy levels is essential, so make sure to acquire an abundance of options containing the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins for your well-being.
Some Non-Canned Foods Are Shelf-Stable
Dried goods are a viable substitute for canned foods, although they are less shelf-stable. However, if you monitor the expiration date, they can still be a suitable choice for emergency pantries. Furthermore, peanut butter is an excellent source of essential fats and has a longer shelf life compared to nuts. When selecting peanut butter, opt for a processed variety that does not require refrigeration.
Chocolate bars are relatively stable in terms of shelf life when it comes to sweets. If you have a preference for dark chocolate, you are fortunate because chocolate with higher cacao content has a longer lifespan compared to milk chocolate. Although chocolate bars may seem indulgent during emergencies, they can offer energy and add variety to a diet dominated by beans and canned vegetables. Additionally, there are other packaged candies that also maintain their quality over a prolonged period.
Other Items You’ll Need
Haman suggests that it is advisable to have a manual can opener since there may not be power available to operate an electric one. It is recommended to have two can openers, one as the primary and another as a backup in case the primary one stops working.
According to Haman, to safely prepare food or sanitize water, it is necessary to have a heating source. Haman suggests using a candle stove, which is also known as a candle lantern. These can be found for under $50 at various locations.
By burning slower than regular candles, these stoves utilize emergency candles, ensuring less frequent replacements. Moreover, these candles possess the additional benefit of serving as a source of light, thus increasing their usefulness.
