by Kate Johns
Tornado season, hurricane season, earthquakes, snowstorms -- these are just a few natural occurrences that can change your life in a flash. It is always best to be prepared for the eventuality that your family may be without electricity and heat or a home for a few weeks.
Emergency services may knock on your front door in the middle of the night to alert you to impending doom of a flood, a fire ravaging through the backwoods or a tornado coming your way. You may have to gather up your family and a few precious belongings in a matter of minutes. And if you decide to stay home and stick it out, then you'll need to be prepared.
What kinds of foods will you need in case of an emergency situation? You will need foods that can weather any kind of storm including water, cold, heat and wind. You will need to find at least two large, portable plastic containers that are easy to grab. They must be airtight containers that will keep the food fresh and free from harm.
You will need foods that are nutritious and that consider every family member's needs. Little kids may not be able to eat beef jerky or anything that isn't loaded with sugar or corn syrup. Start training your family now to eat a healthier diet.
Considering that milk can curdle and become unhealthy to eat in several days' time, you may want to switch to soy or rice milk that stays fresher longer. You may want to prepare and purchase supplies for emergency meals now for the family once a week that are simple and easy to make.
You will need to obtain foods that come in packaging that you can open without electricity, and you may need food for several weeks' time. You will need: A manual can opener and scissors to open cans and cut through bags and packaging to get at your food. You will also need the following items; utensils, bowls, zipper bags, salt, pepper, sugar, hand sanitizer, bleach and paper towels.
To determine what foods you will need for your family, look inside your pantry. How many portable, canned foods do you already have? Remember to restock your plastic containers every five months for freshness.
Canned Foods You Will Need
Six cans of fruit with light syrup such as applesauce, pears, peaches and apricots
Several cans of tuna fish and/or canned chicken
Several containers of soup
Two containers of rice or soy milk
Two cans of chili or stew
One jar of pasta sauce
One jar of jelly
Several cans of vegetables
Dried or Ready-to-Eat Foods
Whole-grain crackers
Dried fruits
Whole-grain cereal
Granola bars
Beef or turkey jerky
Crackers
Pasta
Instant rice or potatoes
Animal cookies
Liquids
Hot cocoa
Tea
Coffee
Plenty of water to drink -- You will need a gallon of water per person and animal each day
You will need to provide an emergency meal plan for your family as well as trying to make meals that are healthy and nutritious. Pack vitamins for every family member, plus medications if they require them. Try to give everyone a serving of veggies or fruit with every meal, or pack cans of fruit and vegetable juice. Pack baby food and formula (with extra water for mixing) for the baby and pet food for your pet, plus treats to keep them happy.