When disaster strikes, a well-stocked pantry can be a lifeline. From canned goods to dry staples, let's explore the top foods to have on hand for an emergency, ensuring you're prepared for any situation.
Natural disasters-a flood, hurricane, blizzard-often come with little warning
Stocking up now on the right non-perishable food items will help you weather the storm (or global pandemic) with less stress
- In an emergency, generally you tend to think of meeting more basic needs than preferences and flavors
- but if you plan right, you can have a great variety of foods and nutrients
Food Advice for an Emergency
If the electricity goes out, how do you know what is and isn’t safe to eat from the refrigerator?
- Keep the doors closed on your refrigerator and freezer to slow down the thawing process.
- Frozen foods that have spent more than four hours over 40º Fahrenheit are safe as long as they have ice crystals or are cool to the touch.
What to Always Keep in Your Pantry
These non-perishable food items (or close to it) have lengthy expiration dates, so you can stash them away for long periods of time.
- Peanut butter
- Whole-wheat crackers
- Nuts and trail mixes
- Granola bars and power bars
- Dried fruits
- Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey
- Cereal
- Dry pasta and pasta sauces
- Powerade
- Water
- Vitamin C and Vitamin A supplements
What to Buy Right Before an Emergency
Fresh produce and other items that have shorter shelf lives
- Apples
- Citrus fruits
- Oranges and grapefruits
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams
- Cucumbers and summer squash
- Winter squash
