When disaster strikes, it's important to be prepared with an emergency food supply. After a power outage, a full and working freezer should keep food frozen for two days, if the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. A half-full freezer should keep things frozen for about one day. To ensure the temperature is kept at the right level, a thermometer for appliances can be used.
It's recommended to have at least a three-day supply of food on hand in case of an emergency. Short-term emergency supplies should focus on survival, energy and hydration (water). Planning ahead can also help create nutritionally balanced meals. Increasing the quantities of basic, non-perishable foods is one way to plan for short-term emergency food needs.
If canned food is included in the emergency food supply, inspect it periodically to make sure there are no rusty, leaking, bulging or heavily dented containers and that there are no broken seals. For an all-in-one solution, 3-day emergency preparedness kits and other emergency supplies can be ordered from the United States Red Cross. To ensure food safety at all times, equip refrigerators and freezers with thermometers to monitor temperature. Store emergency supplies in a safe place away from insect and rodent pests and floods.
Real Simple's emergency food supply list contains foods that don't need to be cooked, are nutritionally dense and tasty. An emergency preparedness kit should include more than just freeze-dried foods and other foods. Individuals and families can reduce stress, worry and inconvenience by planning their emergency food needs. One way to develop a two-week emergency supply is to increase the amount of basic food items that are normally kept on the shelves.
This short-term preparation kit should include food in addition to water, personal hygiene items, flashlights, blankets and other essential items recommended for emergencies. Even with the right equipment available, you'll need to consider some emergency kitchen tips to make your food, equipment, water and other supplies last as long as possible. Consider storing plastic food bags or zippered food freezers in your emergency supplies. The amount of food stored will depend on the members of your household, their preferences, special health conditions, the ability to use food in an emergency and the space available for storage.
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