Do You Have the Right Foods for Emergencies?

There are many types of emergencies. What type of emergencies could you encounter?

· Automobile breakdown in a remote area
· Home confinement due to a pandemic or other reasons
· Mass evacuation from your area due to natural disaster (possibly on foot)

Don’t assume your cell phone and credit card will take care of any emergency, or that someone else will provide for your needs. You may have to survive on what you have in your pantry or automobile.

I have listed some foods that I like to keep on hand just in case. These have long shelf life, are nutritious and some are light weight making them especially good for survival kits. You may not normally eat instant foods but they could save your life. Use a permanent marker to write dates on items you stock. Use the oldest first.

· Water and water treatment tablets (must have)
· Dried beans and peas
· Rice and dried pasta
· Oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc.
· Instant potatoes and other dehydrated vegetables
· Powdered Milk
· Dried fruits and nuts
· Graham crackers
· For seasoning: salt, pepper, your favorite spices, beef, chicken and vegetable bullion

Keep canned foods of all kinds in your home. Make sure you have a manual can opener.
A non-electric pressure cooker is my choice for a cooking vessel. It cooks quickly, using less energy and water.

I hope you never have to use your survival kit but I urge you to plan and be prepared. Include your family or friends in planning. Discuss and list what you would include. Then fill the list. Remember to replace items as needed.

Is your home prepared for emergencies

Almost every part of the earth is subject to natural and/or man made disasters. If you watch TV you have probably seen programs predicting many inevitable events. In the United States the super volcano, Yellowstone, is due to erupt any time. It would affect the whole planet. More frequent disasters include hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes. It is difficult, sometimes impossible for rescue teams to arrive immediately as we learned from hurricane Katrina. You should be prepared to help yourself. Even gas shortages and droughts could affect your ability to get outside help.

Everyone should obtain from their local town or city, any information regarding emergency situations such as shelters, evacuation routes, etc. Create an emergency survival kit for your home and for each automobile in your family. Start with the basic necessities and customize it for your specific needs. Store your kits in an easy–to-go backpacks or duffel bags for each family member. Below is listed the basic items you should start with.

Water and water treatment chemicals
Food, baby food and formula
Radio and flashlight with batteries
First aid kit
Long burning candles
Waterproof matches, lighters, etc.
Some type of shelter such as a tarp or tent
Hygiene; soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
Warm clothing, blankets, etc.

Remember to periodically check your kit and replace expired items. Check and replace batteries and lighters. Review your specific needs. You may want to add items to improve your kit. Your survival may depend on you. Be prepared.