When it comes to emergency preparedness, the first step is to assess what type of emergencies are most likely to occur in your area and what other types of disasters you want to be prepared for. The Red Cross recommends that people store at least three days of non-perishable food and water, and this has been their standard for a long time. Bacteria in food can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and if you consume these foods, you can become seriously ill. This is an updated version of the 14-day menu designed to use food from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).The shopping list mainly includes non-perishable canned foods with some perishable foods that are easy to find and store.
That said, I would only recommend keeping canned food past the expiration date if you are currently in an emergency situation where you can't make it to the store. To be prepared for such emergencies, experts suggest having a three-day supply of food and water on hand. Just like having a working smoke alarm in your home, keeping an emergency supply kit at home is the best way to prepare for a pandemic or other natural or man-made disaster.The short answer is that you need 3 to 6 months of food stored in your home in case you experience an emergency, such as a loss of work or a minor natural disaster. You'll notice that I didn't include certain items such as wheat grains or flour in the 30-day emergency food storage.
Once assembled, the emergency food supply can be stored in a cupboard or closet, under a bed or desk, in the basement, or in a heated garage. If you follow a special diet, have food allergies, need kosher or halal foods, or have other dietary needs, you'll need to make replacements.Once you've figured out your financial situation and are able to move forward with your emergency food storage plan, consider purchasing based on the three different levels of potential emergency scenarios. For long-term emergency preparedness, it is recommended that instead of 15 to 30 days, you save food and water for 3 months specifically for the emergency. Camping tents are good sources of compact, well-preserved foods that are good choices for emergency preparedness kits.
Getting emergency food for 30 days may seem simple enough, but don't just buy a million cans of soup, boxes of cookies, and grains in bulk.The following is an example to give you an idea of what a three-day supply of long-life food might look like.When it comes to preparing for emergencies, it's important to have the right amount of food on hand. The Red Cross recommends having at least three days' worth of non-perishable food and water stored away in case of an emergency. This should include items such as canned goods, grains, and other easy-to-store foods that won't spoil quickly. It's also important to consider any special dietary needs when stocking up on supplies.
For long-term emergencies, experts suggest having enough food and water stored away for three months. Camping tents are great sources of compact and well-preserved foods that are ideal for emergency kits. Finally, make sure not to just buy a million cans of soup and boxes of cookies; instead create a balanced menu with items from all the major food groups.
