Living in a disaster-prone area requires constant preparedness. Once a warning is issued, ensuring an ample supply of water and food is crucial. Before the disaster strikes, it's advisable to have enough provisions to last three to five days, with additional supplies to sustain us for at least three days after the crisis has passed. The aftermath of a disaster can bring about several challenges, including power outages, gas shortages, and limited access to electricity and water. Having an emergency survival food kit becomes essential in such situations.

Despite the belief that a three to five-day supply takes up minimal space, its significance in providing security and reducing stress cannot be overstated. By stocking up on water and food supplies, we take care of our family and contribute to the community's well-being. Explore some essential food items to include in your pantry during a crisis.

Emergency Food Survival Checklist:

Protein (meat):  During a crisis, our bodies require higher calorie and energy intake. While stocking up on protein is essential, relying on fresh produce may not be feasible without electricity. A better option is acquiring reliable food survival kits with protein sources. For instance, Heaven’s Harvest's 132 serving Protein Booster Kit comprises canned eggs, chicken, and beef, making it perfect for thriving in survival situations.

Vegetables and fruits: Fresh fruits and vegetables have a limited shelf life, especially without refrigeration. Consider including canned fruits, vegetables, and juices to ensure your emergency survival food kit remains viable. Heaven’s Harvest offers excellent emergency food buckets, such as the 3 pack fruit & vegetable kit or the 6 pack fruit & vegetable kit, providing ample quantities to meet your daily nutritional needs. These items can serve as both snacks and ingredients for well-balanced meals.

Water: A general guideline is to store one gallon of water per person per day. Therefore, stocking up on at least five to six gallons for a three to five-day supply is recommended. If you have a larger family, the water requirement will increase accordingly, so plan ahead.

Grains: Grains are essential to an emergency food supply as they have a long shelf life and can be used to prepare various dishes. Rice, wheat, barley, oats, pasta, and more should be stored in your pantry. They can make pancakes, tarts, and other nutritious meals.

Dried fruits and trail mix: High-energy foods like nuts are crucial for survival. Opt for food survival kits that include dried nuts, trail mix, and dried fruits, as these provide a sustained energy source. They can be added to breakfast cereals or enjoyed as snacks.

Other food items: Comfort foods are important to include in your emergency survival kit. Items such as chocolate, cookies, peanut butter, nut butter, pasteurized milk, infant food, and beverages similar to power drinks can provide a sense of familiarity and boost morale. For example, Heaven Harvest's One-Week Kit offers 60 different food items and beverages, ensuring ample variety and sustenance for one person throughout the week.

How to Keep Food Safe During a Crisis: In the aftermath of a crisis, electricity is often unavailable, and food safety becomes a concern. It's essential to take certain precautions to ensure food remains safe. Here are some dos and dont’s for food safety during or after a crisis:

Do's:

• Keep food covered with containers to prevent contamination.
  
  
• Ensure eating and cooking utensils are clean before use.
  
  
• If any emergency food supply comes into contact with floodwater, discard it, as it may be contaminated.
  

 

Dont’s:

• Never consume food from swollen or corroded cans, even if the contents appear safe. Discard such cans immediately.
  
  
• Avoid allowing garbage to accumulate near food storage areas, as it can lead to sanitation issues and potential fire hazards.
  

It's important to note that our emergency survival food kits do not require refrigeration. Whether you opt for a one-week supply or an organic food kit, you can rest assured that the items will remain fresh and healthy for an extended period.

While natural disasters are inevitable and beyond our control, we can take proactive measures to prepare for them. Before a warning is issued, stocking up on these non-perishable emergency food survival kits is ideal. By doing so, we equip ourselves with the necessary resources to thrive in a crisis, ensuring the well-being and sustenance of ourselves and our community.