Feb 09
Emergency Food Preparedness
It does not seem real to be completely prepared for emergencies. Emergencies always come unexpected. However, all of us know that they may occur and it alone means a lot. We know that emergencies bring certain damage with them and that normal life is hardly possible under such circumstances. That is why we need to get prepared to emergencies. We are not able to live long without water and food. This makes food storage one of the main aspects of emergency preparedness. If you have some emergency food in your house, you will not have to worry about possible floods, tornados or ice storms.
The most important problem in storing food deals with their shelf life. Some different methods of food and water preservation exist. Canned food has been around for decades. Dehydrated and dried food also lasts really long. Frozen food products have a long shelf life. However, there may be no electric power during the emergency that is why frozen food is not the best option for emergency food storage.
Water could be safely stored in bottles and containers. You could also get a portable water filter to be able to use water from natural sources. You could store your own water or buy bottled water from manufacturers. Bought water should not be unpacked until you need it.
Many food companies produce emergency foods today. They develop their own technologies of processing and packaging food products to extend their shelf life. Some companies even offer emergency food storage kits. These kits are available in different variations to meet your individual tastes. Usually this food kits are not expensive and about every family is able to afford them.
It is very important to make sure that all valuable nutrients are preserved when storing food products. Sometimes food may look well on the outside, but do not contain any valuable nutrients. This means this food has not been stored properly.
It is generally recommended that people have adequate food supplies in their homes to survive possible emergencies. Many people keep asking how much food they should store for long term and short term food storage. It is clear that the amount of food depends on the duration of time for which these food products will be used. Most short term food storages should include a three day supply of food. Long term food storage should provide your family with food for a period of six to twelve months. Make sure you store food that does not have to be cooked. In many cases there will be no electricity, thus cooking will be very problematic.
Another important consideration is to use food grade plastic containers for your food storage. Other types of plastic may be harmful.
Do you know that food storage can save you from lots of troubles during different emergency cases. Learn more about food storage on this food storage blog.
