After a disaster, when physical activity levels rise, the demand for calories may increase as well. While the human body can endure without food for a limited period (assuming hydration is maintained), an individual typically requires 2000 – 2400 calories per day to maintain a balance. However, if involved in demanding activities, one may require even more calories.
Why is food in short supply after a disaster?
Emergency food supplies may be required for various reasons following a disaster, leading to shortages in food.
- The loss of electrical power will result in the eventual spoilage of refrigerated and frozen food. Once electrical power is lost, food in the refrigerator is safe for up to four hours. Food in a freezer that is normally kept at 00 Fahrenheit can last from 24 hours (for a freezer that is half-full) up to 48 hours (for a freezer that is completely full). A full freezer has more thermal mass resulting in longer temperature retention, so keeping containers of frozen water or gel packs in a freezer that is only half-full can help to extend storage time up to 48 hours.
- Road closures may prevent you from getting to the grocery store. Even if you are able to get to a local grocery store, road closures throughout the region can affect commercial food distribution. Because most grocery stores rely on daily shipments to maintain inventory, once the supply chain is interrupted, inventory will be limited to what is on hand. Additionally, any loss of power will interrupt financial transactions and shut down cash registers and all credit/debit card transactions. Having cash on hand will help to enable purchases for the limited stores that try to remain open.
- Building damage to stores and shops can render their food supply inaccessible and result in their closure. Additionally, structural damage at home can also render food destroyed or inaccessible. Keeping emergency food in more than one location at home can help to ensure the accessibility of your food supply.
To get ready for most disasters, begin by having at least a three-day stock of emergency food that can be prepared without refrigeration, cooking, or excessive water. According to most emergency managers, it is advisable to keep a seven-day supply of food, considering the real-life situations of natural disasters across the United States. In the case of certain emergencies like a pandemic, there might be a requirement for a greater amount of food, and thus, if possible, it would be advantageous to store beyond seven days of food.
Food storage tips
1. Ensure that the ingredients for your emergency food are completely Freeze Dried.
Freeze-drying offers a range of important advantages that can enhance the quality of any emergency food stock. Many other emergency food brands employ methods like dehydration or other preservation techniques that are unable to yield long-lasting, top-quality ingredients. Unlike dehydrated or self-canned ingredients, freeze-drying allows for a shelf-life of up to 25 years. Additionally, this flash-freezing method locks in 97% of all nutrients and preserves the color, shape, taste, and texture of freshly harvested produce.
2. Ensure that your emergency food is stored in a location that is cool and dark, minimizing its exposure to light as much as possible.
The primary concern with emergency storage is ensuring that food remains preserved for an extended period, both prior to and following its opening. Four factors can diminish the longevity of freeze-dried emergency food.
is a molecule that is essential for the survival of living organisms.
Moisture, reflecting on a systematic thought process, should be rephrased with the same meaning, without adding or removing any information.
light and only light.
The next step in our thought process involves considering the temperature.
In order to optimize the shelf life of your emergency food, it is recommended to store it in a location that maintains a temperature range of 55-75 ºF and has minimal contact with natural light, air, and moisture. This storage area could be a pantry, basement, or cupboard. Remarkably, a customer discovered that storing the emergency food under their bed served as an ideal storage space in case of emergencies.
Include food items in your emergency supply that your family will genuinely find appealing.
When preparing for emergencies, one common mistake is choosing inexpensive survival food that your family would not find appealing. To ensure a pleasant emergency food experience, test a range of ingredients and meals before stocking up. If you find yourself busy during the week and unable to cook a full homemade meal, consider trying a meal or ingredient from your emergency food supply and have your family try it. If it meets their approval, you can consider acquiring more in larger quantities.
To maintain an organized Food Supply, implement a FIFO system, ensuring that older items are positioned at the forefront.
It is a disappointment when you discover that your emergency food has expired and is no longer usable. To prevent this, you can employ a food organization strategy called “FIFO,” which stands for “First in, First out.” By using a FIFO-oriented organization system, you can ensure that you consume the oldest stored food first, effectively rotating through your supply and avoiding the use of expired products.
Select emergency food options that possess a high nutritional value.
It is important to prioritize nutrition, especially during survival situations. Many long-lasting food brands often include unhealthy fillers and additives to extend shelf life. Ensure that you select emergency foods that contain high-quality ingredients, rich in protein and calories, while avoiding unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugars. By focusing on nutrition-driven foods in your emergency food storage, you will feel more prepared and self-assured when providing for your family in times of necessity.
Make sure to have a range of food categories when maintaining your stocked Food Supply.
Ensuring a well-rounded assortment of food groups is equally important in both your daily meals and emergency prepping. In order to create an emergency food supply, it is necessary to include a range of ingredients such as freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, as well as meats and cheeses. These ingredients are highly adaptable and can enhance various meal options, while also being compatible with different recipes.
7. Locate readily available emergency food options that require minimal preparation and can be quickly prepared in a matter of minutes.
In case of an emergency, there might not be sufficient time to respond. In order to minimize stress and conserve resources, it is advisable to select emergency food that can be easily and rapidly prepared. If water is necessary, opt for food options that require less water, as this will help minimize weight and maintain hydration. An option to consider is to open your food supply and become acquainted with the procedure of preparing meals and ingredients that only require the addition of water.
