Survive Hurricane Season with an Uncommon Emergency Food Supply for Hurricanes
Why an Emergency Food Supply Is Critical for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season can bring devastating storms that can cause widespread damage and power outages. In the aftermath of a hurricane, access to food and water may be limited, making it critical to have an emergency food supply.
According to the LSU AgCenter, it is recommended that you have a three-day supply of food for each person in your household. Non-perishable, shelf-stable foods are ideal, as they can be prepared without electricity and last longer.
Limited Access to Food and Water
During a hurricane, roads may be closed, stores may be inaccessible, and water supplies may be contaminated. It is important to have an emergency food supply on hand to ensure that you and your family have access to necessary sustenance.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
Hurricanes can cause widespread power outages, sometimes lasting for days or even weeks. Having an emergency food supply that does not require electricity to prepare can help ensure that you have access to food during an outage.
Peace of Mind
Having an emergency food supply can provide peace of mind during hurricane season. Knowing that you have enough food and water to get through a few days without access to stores or clean water can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
In the following sections, we will discuss in detail how much food and water you may need for a hurricane, what types of food to include in your emergency kit, how to store and prepare your emergency food supply, and other important items to include in your kit.
How Much Food and Water You Need for a Hurricane
It is important to have enough food and water for each person in your household to last for at least three days during hurricane season. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, it is recommended that you have enough supplies to last up to five days.
Water
According to the Taste of Home website, it is recommended that you have at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. This means that a family of four should have at least 12 gallons of water on hand for three days.
Food
When preparing your emergency food supply, consider the following non-perishable, shelf-stable food options:
- Canned meats such as tuna, chicken, and beef
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned soups and stews
- Boxed milk or plant-based milk alternatives
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Crackers and other snacks
- Dried fruit and nuts
Calculating the Amount of Food and Water Needed
The amount of food and water you need to have on hand for a hurricane will depend on the number of people in your household and the number of days you plan to prepare for. To calculate the amount of water you need, multiply the number of people in your household by the recommended amount of water per day. For example, a family of four preparing for three days should have at least 12 gallons of water.
To calculate the amount of food you need, consider the recommended amount of non-perishable food per person for three to five days. The LSU AgCenter recommends having a three-day food supply for each person in your household.
It is also important to consider dietary restrictions and preferences when preparing your emergency food supply. Make sure to have enough formula for infants and toddlers and pet food on hand. Additionally, keep fresh produce such as bananas, apples, and tomatoes on hand, as they can provide important nutrients and variety in your diet.
What Types of Food to Include in Your Emergency Kit
When preparing your emergency food supply for hurricanes, it is important to consider the types of food you include. Non-perishable, shelf-stable foods that can be prepared without electricity are ideal.
Canned Food
Canned food is a great option for an emergency food supply. According to the Direct Energy website, recommended canned food options include:
- Canned meats such as tuna, chicken, and beef
- Canned vegetables such as green beans, corn, and peas
- Canned fruits such as peaches, pears, and fruit cocktail
- Canned soups and stews
- Canned beans such as black beans and kidney beans
High Protein Snacks
High protein snacks that require no preparation are an excellent option for hurricane season. These snacks can provide the energy and nutrition needed during an emergency. Recommended options include:
- Beef jerky
- Nuts such as almonds and peanuts
- Trail mix
- Protein bars
Fruits and Vegetables
While fresh produce may not be the best option for an emergency food supply, it is still important to include some fruits and vegetables for variety and nutrition. According to the LSU AgCenter, recommended types of fresh produce to include in your emergency kit include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Tomatoes
Additionally, canned fruits and vegetables can provide important nutrients and variety in your diet.
Dietary Restrictions and Considerations
When preparing your emergency food supply, it is important to consider any dietary restrictions and considerations. Make sure to have enough formula for infants and toddlers and pet food on hand. Additionally, consider the following:
- Gluten-free options
- Low-sodium options
- Kosher options
- Vegetarian and vegan options
Overall, a well-rounded emergency food supply that includes a variety of non-perishable, shelf-stable foods can help ensure that you and your family have access to necessary nutrition during a hurricane.
How to Store and Prepare Your Emergency Food Supply
Storing and preparing your emergency food supply properly is essential to ensure that it remains safe to eat and provides the necessary nutrition during a hurricane.
Storing Your Emergency Food Supply
When storing your emergency food supply, consider the following:
- Store food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep food in airtight containers to prevent contamination and pests.
- Check expiration dates regularly and rotate food to ensure freshness.
- Store water in clean, non-breakable containers.
Preparing Your Emergency Food Supply
When preparing your emergency food supply, consider the following:
- Make sure to have the necessary tools on hand, such as a can opener and a portable stove or grill if possible.
- Follow the instructions on canned or packaged food carefully.
- When preparing food that requires water, make sure to use clean, safe water.
- If possible, try to include some foods that do not require cooking or preparation, such as granola bars or trail mix.
Other Important Items to Include in Your Kit
In addition to food and water, there are several other important items to include in your emergency kit. According to Home-Tech, these items include:
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable radio and extra batteries
- Prescription medications
- Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Cash and important documents in a waterproof container
Overall, storing and preparing your emergency food supply properly can help ensure that you have access to safe and nutritious food during a hurricane. Make sure to include other important items in your emergency kit as well to ensure that you and your family are prepared for any emergency.
Tips for Hurricane Preparedness
Preparing for a hurricane involves more than just having an emergency food supply. Here are some additional tips to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season.
Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Creating a hurricane preparedness plan can help you and your family stay safe during a hurricane. Consider the following when creating your plan:
- Know your evacuation zone and have a plan for where to go if you need to evacuate.
- Make a plan for how you will stay in contact with family members if you are separated.
- Have a designated meeting place in case you cannot return home.
- Know the location of emergency shelters in your area.
Stock Up on Supplies Early
Stock up on supplies such as food, water, and other important items early, before a hurricane is forecasted to hit. This can help ensure that you have everything you need, and can help avoid long lines and empty shelves at stores.
Protect Your Home
Protecting your home can help minimize damage from a hurricane. Consider the following:
- Install hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with plywood.
- Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Trim trees and shrubs to remove dead branches and reduce the risk of damage from falling limbs.
Stay Informed
Staying informed about the latest weather updates and hurricane information is important. Consider the following:
- Sign up for your community's emergency alerts and warnings.
- Monitor weather updates from local news stations or the National Weather Service.
- Follow instructions from local officials regarding evacuations and other safety measures.
Overall, being prepared and informed can help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season. Take the time to create a hurricane preparedness plan, stock up on necessary supplies, protect your home, and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
Having an emergency food supply for hurricanes is an important part of hurricane preparedness. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure that you and your family have access to safe and nutritious food during a hurricane.
Remember to include a variety of non-perishable, shelf-stable food options in your emergency kit, such as canned food, high protein snacks, and fruits and vegetables. Store your food properly and prepare it carefully, and make sure to include other important items in your emergency kit as well, such as a first aid kit and important documents.
In addition to having an emergency food supply, it is important to create a hurricane preparedness plan, stock up on supplies early, protect your home, and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
At 15 Seconds, we are committed to providing you with helpful and informative content on a variety of topics. Check out our other great articles to learn more about staying safe and prepared during an emergency.
Q & A
Who needs an emergency food supply for hurricanes?
Everyone living in an area prone to hurricanes should have an emergency food supply.
What should I include in my emergency food supply?
Include non-perishable, shelf-stable food options like canned food, high protein snacks, and fruits and vegetables.
How long should my emergency food supply last?
Your emergency food supply should last for at least three days.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Consider including special dietary foods in your emergency food supply, and make sure to check expiration dates regularly.
How should I store my emergency food supply?
Store your emergency food supply in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep food in airtight containers to prevent contamination.
What if I don't have space for an emergency food supply?
Consider storing a smaller supply of non-perishable foods, and include foods that require little or no preparation.
