Most of us can prepare a meal or two from the foods in our pantry.
But could we prepare three meals a day for three days? And in the event of a prolonged emergency, for three weeks? Would these meals be enough for all members of our household?
Their answers can inspire you to better organize the creation or expansion of your emergency food supply.
Starting this week and over the next few weeks, we will be talking about:
• Establishment of emergency supplies of food and medicine
• Rotate supplies to prevent them from spoiling
• Safe storage of food and medicines
• Meeting the needs of our pets and livestock
Three weeks of food
VashonBePrepared recommends that Vashon households stock up on three weeks’ worth of food in case of a major emergency. (We recognize that it may take some time to reach this level.)
An online search would show you that FEMA’s Ready.gov website recommends a smaller emergency supply – that everyone should aim to be “ready for two weeks.” So why are we recommending that people in Vashon stock up on three weeks’ worth of supplies?
The reason for this is that Vashon’s ferry-only connection to mainland resources could be disrupted in the event of a disaster.
Additionally, when there is a regional emergency, assistance is prioritized to provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people. This means our small community is likely to be a lower priority, resulting in longer wait times for assistance to arrive – even if the ferries are running.
The Washington Emergency Management Division offers an easy-to-download brochure describing the entire Prepare in a Year program, including information on how to stockpile food.
• English: tinyurl.com/EnglishPrepare
• Spanish: tinyurl.com/SpanishPrepare
• Other languages: mil.wa.gov/personal
But I’m overwhelmed and it’s expensive!
We realize that it takes time and money to stock up on food for three weeks.
It’s helpful to think long-term: just start small this month.
Start with what you have, then pick up an extra can or box of food each time you go shopping. Each week you’ll gradually increase your supply while spreading the cost and effort.
Save money by buying emergency supplies in bulk with neighbors and family members. Clip coupons and watch for specials around the holidays. Some people enjoy canning or drying foods at home, which is a great way to supplement your emergency supplies with favorite seasonal foods.
Watch a video from the Washington Emergency Management Division that breaks down household preparation into a series of small, simple steps: tinyurl.com/foodpreparevideo.
What foods should I collect?
Choose foods that you and your roommates will want to eat, especially during the stress of an emergency. To decide what foods to include in your emergency food supply, take a look at your shopping lists and take a look in your pantry. They are a good place to start when deciding what foods to include in your emergency food supply.
When choosing, collect non-perishable foods so they are safe and tasty when needed. Also consider what you might need to cook the food and whether the cooking supplies will be available in an emergency. For example, remember that freeze-dried foods require hot water to make ready to eat. In an emergency, you’ll be thankful to have foods that can be eaten with little to no preparation!
Think of foods like…
• Ready-to-eat canned meat, fruit and vegetables as well as a can opener
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry muesli or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruits
• Canned juices
• Long-life pasteurized milk
• Energy-rich foods
• Food for infants
• Feel-good foods
Every household has different needs, so tailor your emergency food supply to include foods that are appropriate for each member of your household.
Provide baby formula and jars of formula for infants and toddlers. Older people may need canned shakes or softer foods. Consider freeze-dried or ready-to-drink coffee drinks for those who like their coffee, as well as tea for people who prefer that hot beverage. Plan for alternative ways to boil water, such as a saucepan over a camp stove or grill.
Given the stress and increased physical exertion associated with disaster relief, extra calories make sense, so boost your family’s spirits with a few favorite foods and increase the calories.
Next week we’ll discuss how to store food safely and healthily for consumption, as well as tips for cycling food to keep it fresh and ready to eat.
