3 Day Emergency Food
Storage
Introduction
When a disaster
occurs, you will probably have no refrigeration, electricity, gas, water,
sewage treatment, or telephones services. Local officials and relief workers
cannot reach everyone immediately. Government officials and relief agencies
usually take 72 hours to get set up (4). This means having your own food,
water, and other emergency supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least
three days. Don't' skimp on quantities, since emergencies are not the time to
go on a diet!
You probably will not
have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need. Storing
high-energy, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food is necessary for short-term aid.
Stress will be very high after a crisis, so be mentally ready for it. Stress,
extra physical labor, and lack of sleep will also take its toll on your body so
high energy food is important. Even so-called "empty calorie" foods
such as candy and other sugar-rich items are okay in these situations (4).
Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several
days.
What foods go into the
three day emergency supply?
Stock canned foods,
dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water
or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating
utensils.
- Ready-to-eat
canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
- Protein
or fruit bars
- Dry
cereal or granola
- Peanut
butter
- Dried
fruit
- Nuts,
chips, or crackers
- Food
for infants
- Dry
drink mixes to add to water
- Comfort/stress
foods - candy bars, etc.
What drinks (water)
should go into the three day emergency supply?
- Bottled
water
- Soda
or juices (full sugar - not diet)
- Non-perishable
pasteurized milk
How should the three
day emergency supply be stored?
In some cases, you may
need to evacuate on short notice and take essentials with you. So, store these
foods in one or two portable containers. A perfect example is any storage box
with wheels and a handle. Be sure that the container fits into your vehicle. If
you have two, be sure they both fit. Keep your storage container in an
accessible place for easy access during an emergency. Make sure all family
members know where the emergency food/water is kept.
How Much Water do I
Need?
You should store at
least one gallon of water per person per day. A daily water intake of 3.7 L
(approx. 1 gallon) for adult men and 2.7 L (approx. 3/4 gallon) for adult women
is recommended. However the requirement varies according to age, physical
condition, activity, diet and climate. Children, nursing mothers, and ill
people need more water (1). The easiest and most reliable emergency supply of
water is commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original
container and do not open it until you need to use it (2).
More details on foods
to store for emergencies
The emphasis is on low
weight, compact (low volume), high calorie, minimal preparation, long shelf
life, and good taste food that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or
special preparation. Grab foods from a refrigerator and freezer at the beginning
of the emergency. Refrigerated foods are safe for four hours after removing
them from refrigeration. After that time discard them. Frozen foods are good
for four hours after they begin to thaw. After that time discard them.
If you have enough
advance warning about a possible power outage, you can extend the storage time
of food left in a freezer (at the time of emergency) by filling empty spaces
with water left to freeze. Fill clean plastic containers or jugs with water and
freeze them. It will take 24-48 hours to freeze. Food will keep in a
well-insulated, well-filled, closed freezer for 2 to 3 days (2). After that
time the thawed water can be used to drink.
Consider the following
things when selecting the food supplies for emergency (2, 3, 4):
• Avoid foods that
will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and
canned foods with high liquid content. You can also choose high calorie
non-thirst provoking foods such as peanut butter, jelly, food bars, and trail
mix.
• MRE’s (Meals ready
to eat) designed for the military, are the easiest meals you can put in your
kit. They have an incredibly long shelf life (up to 10 years when stored at
temperatures below 70 deg. F). You can buy complete meals that include entree,
side dish, dessert, drink mix, and utensils all in a pack. Or, you can stock up
on individual entrees, side dishes, and desserts separately. These meals are
designed to be heated, but can be eaten cold since they are already fully
cooked.
• Stock ready-to-eat
canned meats, fruits and vegetables, and instant soup
• Foods for infants,
elderly persons or persons on special diets (for example, diabetics or those
with allergies)
• Be sure to include
some favorite foods and snacks in your emergency food supply specifically for
the effect of raising spirits.
Maintaining Your 3 day
emergency food storage
Just as important as
putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when
needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition
(2, 3):
• Keep the foods in a
cool and dry place.
• Store paper-boxed
food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to
extend its shelf life.
• Throw out any canned
goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before
expiration dates and replace them with fresh supplies or change stored food and
water supplies every 6-12 months.
• Re-evaluate your
food and water storage needs annually.
References:
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