Disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, and floods happen abruptly and can cause massive disruption that can see families cut off from supplies, water, or power for days or even weeks. Because disasters happen abruptly, it is always advisable to stock up for such situations. Create an emergency preparedness list. That way, families, and individuals can eliminate fear and the inconveniences that come with unexpected disasters.
If you are wondering where to start, how much, and what to stock, here are some ideas.
Buy in Bulk
Almost everyone had a taste of what running out of stock feels like when COVID-19 struck, and movement restrictions were imposed. Suddenly, supermarket shelves ran out of staple items as people were in a last-hour dash to prepare for the unknown.
Rather than wait for such possibilities, it would be best to contact some of the most reliable emergency food supply companies in the market. Many emergency food supply companies offer bulk supplies based on the needs of the families and the amount of time you wish to stock for.
Prioritize Water and Store It Safely
The CDC recommends storing a gallon of water per day per individual. When stocking for an emergency, it is always best to consider a two-week emergency supply whenever possible. This means that for every member of your household, 12 gallons of water would be ideal for stocking up. The best type of water could be unopened commercially bottled water, but if you are on a budget, tap water stored in clean airtight containers will do.
For stored bottled water, it would be best to check the expiration date and replace it accordingly. However, tap water should be replaced every six months.
Start Small If You Are On a Budget
If you are on a budget, it would be best to start small. You do not have to compare your emergency food cache with that of your neighbor. You can begin with stocking three days of emergency food and then build on it over time. A food storage list for three months would be a good goal, but a minimum of two weeks’ stock is a good starting point.
Types of Foods to Stock Up for an Emergency
Not all types of foods are ideal for emergency preparation. While stocking up on items such as rice or beans may seem like an economical idea, they will require cooking, which requires stocking up on some type of fuel too. It is recommendable to stockpile snacks and canned foods that can be readily consumed without being cooked.
Some examples of foods to stock up include:
- Peanut butter
- Whole wheat crackers (Preferably vacuum packed for prolonged freshness)
- Individually packed cooked cereals
- Granola and power bars
- Dried fruits
- Canned meat such as salmon, tuna, turkey, and chicken
- Canned chilies and soups
- Powdered milk
- Sugar, salt, and pepper
- Canned vegetables such as peas, beans, and carrots
- Dried meats
Where to Store Your Food
Before buying your emergency stock, you need to consider where to store it. For people with ample living space, food storage may not be a problem, but if you live in a small space, you may need to get a little creative. Good storage space should have the following features:
- Good ventilation,
- Away from direct sunlight,
- It should be moisture-free and pest-free
Probably you already have some locations for storage in mind. If you haven’t decided yet, here are some suggestions: The basement (if you live in an area not prone to flooding), spare bedroom, pantry, spare closet, root cellar, or shelves under stairwells.
Final Words
You never know when a disaster will strike, and when it does, you better be prepared to make it through. By considering the ideas highlighted in this story, you can be sure that you will be safely supplied when disaster strikes.