We’ve all seen the photos of empty grocery store shelves raided by paranoia and self-preservation when an impending doom is near. What about those who aren’t able to get to a store after doom has hit? Cyclones, ice storms, earthquakes, heat waves or disasters of the human kind like the chemical spill that poisoned a West Virginia water supply are seeming to occur with more regularity than I remember in the past.
After the 3/11 earthquake (flickrcc2.0-jacejudith)
Emergency food preparedness is one category of food security but it’s hardly a new concept. Biblically, the concept of storing up for disaster is presented early in Genesis when there was a prophesy of 7 years of plenty in the land followed by 7 years of famine. Joseph had stored up food and was prepared when the supply ran out for others. Certain faith traditions continue a similar practice of food sufficiency and these are deemed critical as grocery stores maintain about an average 72 hour supply of food which is easily disrupted when transportation isn’t available.
While disaster preparedness extends far beyond food, there are some key items that we might consider as a project for 2014.
Top Ten Tips to Prepare for a Food Emergency
1. Know the food requirements of your household. Although the notion of my husband or I eating less is a welcome thought, my boys have extreme caloric requirements without body fat to get them through a lean time. The average adult male requires 2,300 calories each day. Women and children are typically less than that amount and everyone has an increased need if they are involved in physical labor.
2. Purchase ingredients rather than prepared foods. Ingredients such as salt, legumes, oatmeal and wheat last much longer than prepared foods like frozen dinners, cereal and food mix. Just remember to be practical. For example, if your pantry contains a large supply of wheat berries, what is your plan for actually using them?
3. Do you have water storage? Staying hydrated can be a lot more important than eating and if you’re storing things like legumes and rices, you’ll need water for cooking. If your water supply is compromised in a disaster, you’ll want to avoid salty foods or those that are high in fat as they’ll increase your water requirements.
4. Always store food in appropriate food storage containers. Make sure that these containers will stand up in hot and cold temperature extremes. Be cautious of plastic bags or products that will leach into the food.
5. Make sure you have the right tools available. If you have to eat without gas or electricity, are you able to? Have a hand crank can opener in a place known to you.
6. Use your food storage so that you are keeping it fresh. If you’re familiar with accounting principles, use a FIFO (first in, first out) method so that cans in the back of the cupboard get used first.
7. Have a garden and know what other landscaping or wild plants might be edible. In our yard we have mesquite beans for flour, nopales (cactus pads) and prickly pear fruit. While not available all the time, when in season, they’re abundant.
8. Learn a lesson from Old Mother Hubbard. When you’re making a plan for your household, don’t forget to consider the needs of your pets although many of them are undoubtedly better foragers than their owners.
9. Check your stash of herbs and spices. It’s much easier to create variety in a regular diet of beans and rice when there are spice options.
10. Look in on others who may not be as able or as prepared. There is likely an elderly, infirm or just ill prepared neighbor within your reach. Apply the golden rule.
The internet and library are rich with sources on emergency preparedness. The resources range from pragmatic check lists to tomes of survivalist tactics. If this is something that you’ve thought about, you’re ahead of most of us so this list is intended to create consideration for a basic plan that is unique to you and your needs.
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Debbie
/ January 12, 2014This happened to us twice recently, after a tornado when we were without electricity and the ability to drive to a store, and recently during the cold and snow storm. When I went to the store after a few days, they were completely out of many staple items. Thanks, Tammy , for helping us think about things like this!
Tammy
/ January 14, 2014The 72 hour packs are really a good idea if you live in an area that is impacted by weather. There are some terrific resources available with as many tips as you want. See the links.
Mary K
/ January 12, 2014Excellent tips, Tammy. We set up an emergency pantry after the derecho of 2012 – all the grocery stores within a 10 mile radius around us looked like the photo above. As you mention, given the frequency of various types of disasters (natural and otherwise), every household would do well to have a backup plan.
Tammy
/ January 14, 2014I don’t have a plan despite having a well-stocked pantry. These are lessons that I need to learn myself.
Jackie @Auburn Meadow Farm
/ January 12, 2014Good one Tammy. We should be cooking that way anyway, right?
Tammy
/ January 14, 2014Yes, we should!
nrhatch
/ January 12, 2014Every year, before Hurricane Season, we stock up on food that can be served with minimal preparation ~ nuts, peanut butter, crackers, etc.
Every year, when November arrives, we breathe a sigh of relief.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014That’s a good plan Nancy. I have a healthy larder but am going to try to be more intentional about it.
Toby Barnett
/ January 12, 2014I think another item to note would be familiar with certain skills like fishing, hunting, and basic shelter making. So much rely on grocery stores for our food that basic skills are forgotten.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Those are both good items for the survivalist list – I am hoping that I never have to exercise my hunting skills!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime
/ January 12, 2014I think it would be a good idea to include a stash of ready cooked beans which can be frozen. I’m quite prepared but not by design, more because of my need for order. We’ve been 48 hours with no mains water so I always have an emergency store of bottles of water. Great post Tammy 🙂
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Water is going to be my first focus Tandy. We don’t have enough on hand.
dianescholten
/ January 13, 2014Oh my! I am 100% UNPREPARED. Something to think about!
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Start with water Diane but do some reading on a 72 hour pack that I hope you’ll never need.
Lisa H
/ January 13, 2014Great reminder, Tammy! We lack the most important item: fresh water. Ever since we changed over to drinking from the water cooler, I have been lax about having a fresh water source for emergencies.
Your timing is great with the food. I am actually starting to experiment with backpacking meals for the hikers in our family. Having the dehydrated meals ready will also be a great emergency food source.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Dehydrated meals are a good option. Although it goes deeper than I ever hope I have to, the survivalist mom link has some great tips.
recipesforsustenance
/ January 13, 2014It’s smart to at least be somewhat prepared. Years ago, I went with my Mormon friend to food storage classes at her church. I learned so much. They try to keep 1 year’s worth of supplies (food, toiletries, diapers, toilet paper, etc…) in case of emergencies. One of the classes was focused on 72 Hour Bags. We put together 3 days worth of food and drinks for 1 person in a gallon Ziploc bag and put together a bag for each person in our family. I keep the 72 Hour Bags in a backpack (with toiletries, toilet paper, flashlights, radio, batteries, meds, etc…) that I can just grab and throw in the car if we ever have to evacuate quickly. It is easy to Google menus and ideas for the bags. I change out the bags with new ones every 6 months. I just give the old ones to the kids and they can snack on the items. Nothing goes to waste.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014That’s great! Yes, the LDS church recommends that it’s members have a year’s supply. That’s a lot but they actually have services and schedules that assist. The 72 hour pack is a great place to start.
nancy at good food matters
/ January 13, 2014Hi Tammy, I really don’t like to think about this—but your point is well-made. Recent years have seen an increase in unforeseen disasters and we’d be wise to make some preparations. And, remember our neighbors.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014I’m with you Nancy. I also don’t like to think about it but when I do, I realize I’d be unprepared. This caused me to read up on some stuff that I probably need to do.
Lucy
/ January 13, 2014Thanks Tammy. I made getting prepared a priority before the New Year. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I bought enough water for 2 adults and 2 large dogs for 72 hours, and I put together 2 x 72 Hour packs for me and my partner including this super cool wind up solar powered radio with USB port for cell phone charging http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=518
, and a pack for the dogs including sample packs of food, treats, poop bags and collapsable bowls in case we had to evacuate. We live in a earthquake zone so I’m counting on needing this eventually. Luckily the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management has wonderful- many free- resources. http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/prepare/
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Good for you Lucy! You’re ahead of the masses and I think it’s a really good idea – especially where you live.
mylittleorganicgarden
/ January 14, 2014Excellent post. These are good tips. Now to get to work to implement them.
Dan
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014One step at a time. I’m doing Water first.
Sophie33
/ January 15, 2014Thanks dor the 10 very useful tips but I have plenty of dry foods in my pantry & other foods in my fridge & cupboards! I can survival for a long time,….😉
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Good for you Sophie! Many of us here are unprepared.
Sophie33
/ January 19, 2014☺️
nats1mom
/ January 15, 2014Not totally prepared, but I am on the road to being fully prepared. I have grains in storage bins that should keep for years. I am working on the water part – hoping to purchase a water tank to catch/store rain water. I do have lots of propane (from camping backpacking) and the stove(s) to cook on. I did invest in a food grain mill (non-electric) just for the purpose of “being prepared.” Great post Tammy! thank you.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014I would also like to learn more about rain water harvesting. Whoever does it first has to post about it, okay?
nats1mom
/ January 19, 2014You’re on! Stay tuned!
Inger Wilkerson
/ January 16, 2014Wow, this brought back our experience with an extended power outage a couple years ago which I wrote about here: http://artofnaturalliving.com/2011/10/13/ready-or-not-not/ The experience really, permanently, cemented the need for water. This week, when the water utility stopped by to warn us they were turning ours off for a few hours, my oldest promptly filled containers for drinking and flushing. Ultimately, our biggest issue during the power outage was the freezer and lack of dry ice in the more remote area of our vacation place (and not thinking it could ever last 48 hours). It just hit me now that subconsciously this was probably why I did a lot more canning more this year…
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Canning is a great still to combat this Inger. I need to work on the water.
Kirsten
/ January 16, 2014Tammy,
This is an excellent post. I’ve just realized that I’ve got more water saved for our houseplants than I do for us! (We have hard water, so each fall while winterizing the rain barrels I fill up jugs of water to use on the indoor plants until Spring.)
I had never experienced power outages longer than about a day until we moved here. With the derecho in 2012 we were without power for 4 days. Eye opening! We even hosted friends for dinner while off the grid, though, since we couldn’t reach them to tell them we were in the dark. The grill served as a great way to fix the food thawing in the fridge, and enjoying games around the table by candlelight made it kinda fun.
Adding this to my 2014 To Do list–thanks!
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014The post has caused me to think a lot also Kirsten. Our grill is piped gas and it’s likely that it could be affected in a real disaster. Maybe a pack of charcoal in the garage for lean times? I am putting it on my to-do list also.
Kath
/ January 17, 2014Wow. It took me a moment to realize that you live in an area where you have to be prepared for natural disasters like tornados. Here in Europe it’s so quiet, so that emergency preparation in the way you describe it isn’t usual. I found it very interesting to read though and will keep your recommendations in mind. Who knows, one day I’ll need them.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014I think the water recommendation is a good place to start Kath. If our water supply was cut off, I wouldn’t have enough for my family and my pets.
Rachel
/ January 17, 2014I like your tips a lot, especially #10. I’ve hardly ever seen ‘helping other people who are less prepared’ mentioned in other places. In all our preparedness research and activities, that is something that has been weighing on our minds – being able to help somebody else in a hardship situation.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Inevitably there will be others who are unprepared or unable to help themselves – even without a disaster!
dayphoto
/ January 18, 2014With all the disasters happening here and there and everywhere. This post is very timely and very well done!
Thank you!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Tammy
/ January 18, 2014Thanks Linda. Love your new gravatar!
Velva
/ January 19, 2014it is always a good reminder to think about food storage when a disaster can happen at a moments notice.
Tammy
/ January 19, 2014It’s a bit scary to consider but also really pragmatic. Are you prepared?
BermudaOnion
/ January 19, 2014Wonderful advice! We aren’t prepared for an emergency like that and I really do need to make some preparations.
Tammy
/ January 19, 2014It’s definitely something to think about!
Naomi
/ January 19, 2014Excellent preparations, Tammy. We were happy to install gas in our kitchen when we renovated a few years ago, which has helped out more than once during electricity outages.
Tammy
/ January 19, 2014And it’s fun to cook with, eh?
souldipper
/ January 19, 2014How good of you to write about this, Tammy.
As a Pod Leader (Emergency Program), I remind my (5) Neighbourhoods periodically to check their Emergency Preparedness Kits in home and car. We need to change the water periodically and look at expiry dates of canned goods. ( Is the can opener still there? ) I link neighbours to sites where suggestions are made for the type of foods to have in stock – and in the emergency kits. And remind them not to forget pets. These sites have helpful hints like freezing ziploc bags of drinking water. Or putting together a family plan about how/where to meet if an emergency hits when everyone’s away from home.
And hopefully all family members know how to turn off gas appliances, etc.
We know the neighbours who have especially critical tools, equipment or machinery. Since they’ve told us, they know it will be shared. However, family first…then neighbours. I have the great good fortune of having 3 Ham Operators in my Pod. When all else fails, Hams get through.
Now…may we never have to use any of this, Tammy!
Tammy
/ January 31, 2014I sure hope we don’t. You know Amy, I worry more about areas like yours than I do about my own. My mother in law is on Harstine Island and it seems that so many of the neighbors are single women and some are getting up in years. I’m happy to know that people like you organize to take care of each other.
Stephanie
/ January 20, 2014Great tip about the neighbors! I periodically seem to need some degree of something from emergency supplies (water recently due to the Arctic Vortex original version; that deretio storm in 2012; gas explosion on my street when I lived in Boston; snowstorms etc). I do make an effort to keep basics in stock for 5 or so days, but I also do not keep enough water as I generally only have about 3 or 4 gallons for me + large dog. Tip for storms you know are coming: fill the bathtub for flushing.
It’s also important to keep medications on hand (I detest the refill policies that make it hard to keep a two week supply on hand) and plan for extra food supplies for those with dietary restrictions that may not be able to eat MREs etc brought in by disaster assistance.
Tammy
/ January 31, 2014medications is a good add! and I’m sure you’re right that there are some crazy policies preventing it from happening efficiently.
Stephanie
/ January 20, 2014Oh, wait, more examples: dramatic transformer explosion on my street last year, Hurricane Charlie in 2005, constant water main breaks in high school (I swear, they replaced it 20 feet at a time), and even having the H1N1 flu when I lived alone. These generally only knocked out one utility, and mostly not for more than a day or two, but they just emphasize how little it takes to disrupt food prep. And then there was the flooded house…
Solar cookers might be a nice option for people who live in places where there is reliable sun, too.
Tammy
/ January 31, 2014Solar cookers are a good alternative here. I’m focusing on water for the moment though. Discreet tasks in discreet steps.
Tammy
/ January 31, 2014and, I think you’ve been through enough to last you quite a while!
naimavanswol
/ January 20, 2014Great tips, there. I need to take some of your advice, in case of a zombie apocalypse!
Tammy
/ January 31, 2014Zombies, yep. That’s probably the most pressing issue in my house.
Julio K. Wells
/ January 27, 2014If you’ve hit the trails in the last decade or so, you’re probably already familiar with backpacking meals. There are hundreds of different dishes available, from main entrees, vegetable and starch sides to deserts and breakfasts. Unlike MRE’s that contain several types of food in each unit, these backpacking meals have only one dish per pouch and they need to be prepared with hot water. On the other hand, freeze-drying means better tasting food. If you don’t want to agonize over choices, buy one of the assortments. My favorite freeze-dried food company, Mountain House, makes a great variety of food pouches that are sold by distributors in a range of kit sizes, from a compact 72-hour size to a 90-day supply. Buy a month’s worth and you’ll have a first-rate supply of portable survival food for a small group.
Kathy McNamara
/ January 31, 2014In our hall closet we have backpacks for each person – in the kids we have cross word and word searches, and some non-electronic games, small blanets and non-perishable snacks. We all have flashlights, batteries, two bottles of water small first aid kits. Never had to use them. It was just something my mom use to do for when the power went out as it often did as a kid. My garage cupboard has water, Peanut butter, dry ceral, tuna, beans, fruit snacks, and a couple things I am sure I am forgetting. Thanks for the reminder I am overdue to check my supplies.
Tammy
/ January 31, 2014It should go on the calendar as an action item every 3-6 months Kathy. I learned a lot by reading about this.
Mike Well
/ May 28, 2014It is almost very important thing to have emergency food all the time with you whenever you are in travel or better option to take emergency food from from store to be safe wherever you are.
When i suppose to go for some travel with my family.I never take chance of with family’s life..I always make sure that we take MRE with us…some time we make it ourselves..otherwise we ordered it from https://www.hikingware.com/product-category/mresmeals-ready-to-eat/….