How to Stock Your Kitchen for an Emergency
1. Non-Perishable Foods:
- Canned goods (fruits, vegetables, beans)
- Dried foods (pasta, rice, oats, beans, lentils)
- Freeze-dried foods (for long-term storage)
- Canned meats and fish
- Nut butters
- Energy bars
- Granola
- Protein powder
2. Water:
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
- Consider water purification tablets or filters if your water supply is contaminated.
3. Cooking Supplies:
- Manual can opener
- Non-electric cooking appliances (camping stove, grill, etc.)
- Cooking utensils and cookware
- Fuel (propane, charcoal)
4. Snacks and Comfort Foods:
- Cookies, crackers, chips, nuts, dried fruit
- Candy, chocolate, marshmallows
5. Condiments and Spices:
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (in shelf-stable packaging)
6. Beverages:
- Bottled water
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate (instant)
- Sports drinks
- Juice boxes
7. Paper Products:
- Paper plates, cups, and utensils
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bags
8. First Aid Supplies:
- Basic first aid kit
- Pain relievers
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages
9. Hygiene Products:
- Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal care items
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer
10. Lighting:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Candles and matches
11. Food Storage:
- Airtight containers for dry goods
- Plastic wrap and aluminum foil
- Freezer bags
12. Disaster Plan:
- Keep a copy of your emergency plan, contact numbers, and important documents in a waterproof container.
13. Communication:
- Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for news updates.
14. Cash and Important Documents:
- Keep some cash on hand in case ATMs or card readers are unavailable.
- Store essential documents like IDs, passports, and insurance information in a safe place.
15. Miscellaneous:
- Pet food and supplies (if applicable)
- Batteries
- Duct tape
- Multi-tool
- Emergency blanket
- Fire extinguisher
16. Rotation:
- Regularly check and rotate your food supply to ensure it stays fresh.
Remember, the specific items you need will depend on your household size and dietary restrictions. It's also a good idea to involve family members in the process of stocking and maintaining your emergency kitchen supplies.