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FAMILY SURVIVAL
Emergency Food for Disaster Situations
The following is critical emergency food information from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management administration) found at:http://www.fema.gov/rrr/foodwtr.shtm FEMA, The Federal Emergency Management Agency - a former independent agency that became part of the new Department of Homeland Security in March 2003 - is tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disasters.
Short - Term Supplies:
Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, you should prepare a supply that will last that long. The easiest way to develop a two-week stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves.
Storage Tips
- Keep food in a dry, cool spot-a dark area if possible
- Keep food covered at all times
- Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use
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Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers
- Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests
- Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use
- Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front
Nutrition Tips
During and right after a disaster, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. So remember:- Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day.
- Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day).
- Take in enough calories to enable
you to do any necessary work. - Include vitamin, mineral and protein
supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition. - Food Supplies
- When Food Supplies Are Low
- If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days.
- Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don't stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won't require cooking, water or special preparation.
Following are recommended short-term food storage plans.
Special Considerations:
As you stock food, take into account your family's unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are best.
Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.
Make sure you have a
manual can opener and disposable utensils. And don't forget non-perishable foods for your pets.
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