Natural disasters can cause major disruptions to the food supply, so it's important to be prepared. FEMA and the Washington Division of Emergency Management recommend having two weeks of food and water supplies on hand in case of an emergency. To ensure food safety, equip refrigerators and freezers with thermometers to monitor temperature. A 3- to 5-day supply of food and water can be stored in a relatively small area for security in the event of a disaster.Before an emergency, it's important to plan ahead and have at least a 3-day supply of food on hand.
Canned or jarred food may appear intact, but the heat of a fire can activate bacteria that spoil food. Treat food exposed to firefighting water the same way you would treat food exposed to flood waters.Sally Strackbein's Emergency Kitchen website provides a breakdown of how much food should be stored for two people for two weeks. This includes items such as canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned meats, peanut butter, crackers, cereal, granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, powdered milk, and more. It's also important to store enough water for drinking and sanitation purposes.By following these tips, you can ensure that you have enough food and water supplies on hand in case of an emergency.
Being prepared is the best way to stay safe during a natural disaster.
