![]() ![]() “Often, during a disaster, the first people to show up to FEMA centers for help or food were people who were prepared but were overly generous,” says Haman. Similarly, consider the needs of your neighbors. You’ll want food for your family but also any pets and babies. When building your emergency food store, it’s essential to think of those around you. They also serve as a light source, doubling their utility. These stoves use emergency candles, which burn slower than standard candles, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them frequently. “There are many types, and you can find them for less than $50 in many places.” “I recommend a candle stove – also called a candle lantern,” says Haman. Similarly, you’ll need a heating source to prepare food safely or sanitize water. “Ideally, you’ll want two, one main and another to serve as a backup in case the first breaks.” “You’ll also want a manual can opener, as there’s no guarantee you’ll have power to use an electric one,” says Haman. Other Items You’ll Need in Your Emergency Store In addition to these five foods, you’ll also want to ensure you have food for family members with special dietary needs, babies and pets. “It can last over 25 years, and you can get almost any freeze-dried food, including fruit, peanut butter, cereal, and milk” Freeze-dried foods – “If you have the money to spend on it, freeze-dried food is amazing for long-term storage,” says Haman.You can also buy fruit jerky to supplement your supply of canned fruit Jerky – Dried meat, or jerky, is another good, long-lasting food.Nuts and nut butter – Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and other nuts and their butter forms are another long-lasting, nutrition-packed food source.Additionally, wheat berries, which you can store for up to 25 – 30 years, are an excellent source of protein and fiber Dry foods – “You can also supplement your canned foods with dry foods such as beans, rice, and lentils,” says Haman.“You’ll want various canned goods, including different meats, fruits, and vegetables” 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.Five essential foods to stock up on for an emergency include: There are several types of foods best suited for an emergency supply. ![]() “Even if it’s in food-safe plastic, I recommend replacing your water supply at least once a year to ensure it’s fresh, clean, and safe,” says Haman. Similarly, don’t let your water sit there forever. ![]() You’ll also want to avoid storing water containers up high, as they can become a falling hazard. “Also, make sure you’re using food-grade plastics to store your water, as this type of plastic is designed for water storage and won’t leach chemicals into your water supply like other plastics.” “You don’t want the water to get hot because chemicals can leach into it,” says Haman. Like your food supply, you’ll want to store your water in a cool, dry place. “Experts recommend storing one gallon of water per day, per person.” “I recommend storing at least seven days of water per person to start off with,” says Haman. In addition to this emergency food supply, you’ll also want an emergency water store. “Keep your food in a cool, dry space and away from fluctuating temperatures,” says Haman. You’ll also want to store your emergency food supply appropriately to ensure it won’t spoil prematurely. “But ideally, if you are preparing for an emergency, you will want to start off with at least two weeks to a month of food storage as a goal and keep children in mind while preparing.” “Most people already have a few days’ worth of food in their cupboard and fridge,” says Joel Haman, Nebraska Medicine Emergency Preparedness coordinator. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you keep at least a three-day supply of emergency food and water per person. If you’re ever in an emergency, having an emergency food and water supply is imperative. So, it’s likely half your neighbors aren’t as prepared as necessary in the case of a natural disaster or similar emergency. While this number marks an increase over previous years, it also means more than 50% of the population hasn’t developed an emergency plan. Only 48% of Americans have created emergency plans, according to a 2020 Federal Emergency Management Agency survey. Still, many of us are un- or underprepared if a natural disaster or other emergency stuck our home. ![]() “Hope for the best prepare for the worst.” It’s a common idiom we’ve all heard at one point or another. ![]()
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