About Emergency Food Supplies

When a disaster strikes a community, such as in an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm, or some other calamity, families may discover they need to hold tight at the home front and wait out the disaster. In the meantime, they will need to feed themselves. Establishing an emergency food supply is one way a family can protect itself.

Two Weeks

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that households have a two-week emergency food supply on hand. Some households may be able to rely on the provisions already in their pantry and will not need to purchase additional items. Pantry items should be regularly rotated or discarded when they exceed the expiration dates.

Needs

The special needs of family members should be considered when preparing an emergency food supply. Family members with food allergies, special diet requirements, infant formula, and diabetic foods should have an extra two week supply. These foods should be regularly rotated, using the oldest foods first. Also consider the family pet and keep enough pet food on hand in case of an emergency.

Staples

When purchasing additional food for an emergency supply, choose foods that will not require refrigeration or special preparation or cooking. Foods high in calories and nutrition are recommended by FEMA, as are "comfort foods" that will boost the morale and relieve stress. A manual can opener should be included in the pantry.

Storage

Food should be stored in a cool dry location. Containers should be tightly sealed. Dried sugar, fruits and nuts should be stored in air-tight canisters. Perishables such as cookies and crackers should be wrapped in plastic bags and then stored in sealed containers. Food should be inspected for spoilage, and any can goods that are dented, swollen or corroded should be discarded.

Order

If an emergency occurs, any special provisions purchased to help prepare an emergency food supply will not necessarily be the first food consumed. Perishable foods should be eaten first. This would include ripe fruits or vegetables from the garden or food from the refrigerator. The next foods to use would be any food from the freezer. If the electricity is off, avoid opening the freezer or refrigerator door unless absolutely necessary. During an emergency, prepare an inventory of foods in the refrigerator and freezer, to avoid unnecessarily opening the door if the power is out. The last foods to consume would be the non-perishable foods and staples.

Resources

• FEMA on Emergency Food Supply