How to Prepare a Pantry for a Hurricane

If you live in a hurricane prone area of the country, your pantry should be stocked at the beginning of the season. Preparing your pantry for a hurricane is easy as long as its not done at the very last moment when store shelves are empty. Keep a few guidelines in mind and your pantry will be ready when the storm hits.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

What to Buy

1. Buy non-perishable foods when they are on sale. Canned goods and food in pouches are best, however a full meal-in-a-box can also be used. Family sized containers are wonderful for more than two people.

2. Try to buy foods that require the least amount of ingredients to prepare.

3. Buy foods that can be eaten cold, right out of the can, or that can be grilled or boiled. Although the normal recommendations are to have a three-day supply of food, plan on at least a one week supply.

4. Buy high protein canned meats such as canned salmon, tuna or chicken. Stock up on legumes, which are also high in protein. These would include a wide variety of beans and peas. Peanut butter is also high in protein.

5. Include canned fruits, such as pineapple, fruit cocktail, peaches and pears for extra fiber.

6. Try to have fruits that are not sweetened, but in their own juice. Sweet foods can increase thirst.

7. Get necessary vitamins during this stressful time with canned fruits and juices such as grapefruit, tomato or apple juice.

8. Buy the type of canned vegetables your family prefers, as there are so many varieties.

What to Do

9. Clean milk or juice containers well and fill with water; or buy enough bottled water for the whole family, including pets.

10. Store tap water for cooking and if wanted, use bottled water for drinking. One gallon per person per day is the minimum requirement and it is best to plan for enough water for a whole week.

11. Store an older set of cookware in the pantry, one that you are not afraid to ruin. Most likely you will be grilling food on a charcoal or gas grill, even an open campfire. If you do not have an older set of cookware, buy a cheaper set but one that is sturdy enough for an open campfire.

12. Add basic utensils such as a manual can opener, wooden spoons, spatulas and a paring knife. Disposable plates that are strong are preferred to porcelain plates, especially if water is in short supply. Additional disposable cups and silverware will come in handy.

13. Store clean-up supplies in the pantry as well. Paper towels and disposable wipes are great for quick clean-ups. Place extra garbage bags in an empty garbage can along with disposable gloves and disposable handy wipes.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy crackers instead of bread for peanut butter
• Store packaged treats in airtight containers to stay fresh
• Buy extra pet food and treats for your pets
• Use aluminum foil to cover foods and for cooking on the grill or open campfire.
• Use the food at the end of hurricane season and restock next year.

Resources

• Here is an official information site for disaster preparedness.
• Helpful tips about cooking without electricity can be found here.
• Comprehensive hurricane information can be found here.