List of Food Supplies Needed in an Emergency

Disasters strike with little warning. Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and winter storms can cut you off from food, water, and power supplies for weeks. While this may seem a terrifying prospect, you can prepare a survival kit in advance, which will include essential food for you and your family.

Duration

• Canned fruit and vegetables provide important nutrients.

  Plan a food supply that could last your family up to two weeks. Stock food items that don't require refrigeration or cooking, since you may not have power in an emergency. You also want to make sure that your food supply is nutritious and high in calories. Include some family favorites that can serve as comfort food during a stressful time. Canned goods and dry mixes are excellent options for storage.

Expiry Dates

• Air tight canisters can preserve food longer.

  Keep track of expiration dates and replace spoiled food immediately. Put the oldest food in front so that it can be used first. Store food in a dry, cool place. Seal perishables to keep as much air out as possible. Screw-top jars are handy for storing dry supplies, such as sugar, as they keep out ants or other pests. You'll need to use some foods, such as crackers, potatoes, and dried fruit within six months. Others, such as cereals, peanut butter, and canned fruits, can last up to a year. Dried pasta, white rice, and instant tea or coffee last indefinitely as long as you store them properly.

Perishables

• If you lose power during your emergency, eat the perishable food first. Start with the food in the refrigerator and then the freezer. It may be possible to cook using a fireplace, a camping stove or a charcoal grill. Follow safety precautions when using cooking tools.

Water

• Water is possibly the most essential supply to keep on hand. You may survive for a while with limited food, but water is essential to survival. The average person will need two quarts per day. Pregnant or nursing women will need more, as will children and the sick or injured. Water is also important for cooking, so try to store a gallon per person per day.

Specific Items

• Peanut butter is an essential for the survival kit. It's high in protein and stores easily. Canned soups and vegetables do not necessarily need to be heated before serving. Canned meats, protein bars and granola bars can provide protein and energy. Include staples like salt and sugar as well as crackers, cereal, canned milk, canned fruit, and juice boxes to round out your supply. Don't forget to include vitamins. You should also include comfort foods like instant coffee, tea, cookies, and hard candies.

Other Essentials

• Make sure that you have all the non-food supplies you need. For example, a can opener is essential if you are using canned goods. Plan for people in the house with special needs. Nursing mothers might need formula in case they aren't able to nurse. Don't forget to stock up non-perishable food for any family pets as well.