By Sharon Omahen


University of Georgia

When a storm is headed in their direction, shoppers always rush
to stock up on milk and bread. University of Georgia experts say
having a supply of staple emergency food items is actually more
important.

“In preparation for bad weather of any kind, every family should
have at least a three-day emergency food supply on hand,” said
Elizabeth Andress, an Extension Service food safety specialist
with the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Added peace of mind

Just knowing you have an emergency food supply, she said, eases
the stress of emergencies and natural disasters.

“Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado or snow storm, a natural
disaster could prevent you from running to the grocery store to
pick up supplies for your family,” Andress said.

The size of your emergency food supply depends on the size of
your family and home storage area. Remember, stock only
nonperishable foods. You never know when you may lose electrical
power.

“Select foods that require no refrigeration, little or no cooking
and little or no water,” Andress said. “Chances are, if you’re in
an emergency situation, you aren’t going to have the luxuries of
electricity and running water.”

Stock your food supply with ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and
vegetables. Remember to buy containers you can use up in one meal
or snack. You most likely won’t be able to refrigerate leftovers.

Add canned juices, soups and canned or powdered milk. Include
bottled water for drinking and extra water to mix with the
powdered milk and dilute the soups.

Pack enough for each family member

Supply enough fluids (milk, juice, water, etc.) so each family
member can have at least 2 quarts per day.

Include staple foods such as sugar, salt and pepper, too, and
high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola
bars and trail mix.

“Don’t forget to throw in some comfort foods, too, like cookies,
hard candy, sweetened cereals and instant coffee and tea,”
Andress said.

If you usually use them, include vitamin and mineral supplements
to assure proper nutrition.

Remember pets, too

When stocking your emergency supply, keep in mind any special
needs in your family. Have you included special foods for infants
or elderly family members?

Don’t forget your family pets, either. Be sure to include Fido’s
or Morris’ food, treats and enough water for them, too.

Don’t forget to include a hand-operated can opener, scissors and
knife for opening food cans and foil or plastic pouches. The last
items in your supply should be disposable plates, cups and
utensils.

“Once you have your food supply together, make a list of dates
when food items need to be inspected and possibly rotated out.
Then replace them with newly bought items,” Andress said. “Canned
foods can last two years. But for best quality, use them within
one year.”

Powdered milk may be stored 12 to 24 months. Use most of the
other foods in your emergency supply within one year, or rotate
them out. Over time, replace any rusty, leaky, dented or bulging
food cans.

Once your emergency food supply is intact, store it in a cool
place. Store dry supplies off the floor in a clean, dry, dark
place away from any sources of moisture.