Checklist for Emergency Food Storage

Most emergencies are unforeseen. In those cases where there is a window of opportunity to prepare, people often do not have enough time to get to a supermarket, or they arrive to find that supplies are depleted. Therefore many families get into the habit of preparing for emergencies at the beginning of the year, ensuring that enough food, water and tools are available, should disaster strike.

General Tools and Equipment

• Multi-use equipment reduces the number of items on an emergency list.

  Food and water by themselves will not always be sufficient because many food items might still require cooking or heating. To ensure that the basic tools and equipment you need are available, make a kit that includes a camp stove, batteries, flashlights and cooking equipment. Cooking equipment might include items such as a can opener, spatulas, knives, pots, pans and oven mitts. Add in cutlery, plates and bowls, glasses and mugs, garbage bags, napkins and toilet paper.

The Family Pet(s)

• Family pets also require pre-planning.

  Remember to prepare for any family pets. A bag of dry dog and/or cat food can be kept in storage for a year. Although not essential, if you wish to store any pet treats, make sure they have as little salt and meat contents as possible because such treats make dogs and cats salivate, making them thirsty. Keep spare bowls in the storage area stocked with pet food, ready for use in an emergency. Keep additional water in storage for pets.

Food

• Canned food has a longer shelf life than fresh food.

  Store food and water in a cool, dry place, which is easily accessible, preferably in the basement. When purchasing food for emergency storage, buy items that require little or no cooking. Store enough food and water for at least 72 hours. Canned or jarred foods are best because they have a longer shelf life than fresh food.

  The food checklist can be divided into three main categories: Meats (tuna, chicken, meat sauce); vegetables (beans, corn, tomatoes); and fruit (mandarin oranges, applesauce, raisins). Additionally, store items such as instant oatmeal, oils, ketchup, vinegar, rice, pasta, salt, pepper, canned soups, nuts, sugar and powdered milk. Many families also store at least a month's supply of multivitamins.

Liquids

• Keep as much water as possible.

  Store as much liquid and water as possible to keep all family members hydrated. The minimum daily water consumption of an adult is approximately half a gallon of water. You'll also need water for cooking and sanitation, plan an additional half a gallon of water per person per day for this. Well-nourished humans can survive without food for extended periods of time, but they require water to survive, even on a short-term basis. In addition to water, store items such as powdered milk, powdered lemonade, cocoa mix and baby formula. Newly purchased bottled water provides a longer shelf life than water from the faucet. If possible, devise a system to capture any water from rain or condensation for uses that don't involve human consumption.