Emergency Long Term Food Storage: Surviving and Thriving Through Any Disaster
Disasters can strike at any time, and being prepared is key to surviving and thriving through any emergency situation. One of the most important aspects of emergency preparedness is ensuring that you have enough food and water to sustain yourself and your family for an extended period of time. This is where emergency long term food storage comes in.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about emergency long term food storage, from how much food to store to the best options available on the market. With this information, you can be confident that you and your loved ones are prepared for any emergency situation.
The Importance of Emergency Long Term Food Storage
When disaster strikes, access to food and water can be limited or completely cut off. This is where emergency long term food storage is essential. By having a stockpile of food and water, you can ensure that you and your loved ones have enough to survive until help arrives or until the emergency situation is resolved.
Emergency long term food storage is also important for those who live in areas prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. In these situations, it may take days or even weeks for normal food supplies to be restored. Having a stockpile of emergency food ensures that you can still eat healthily and stay nourished even in the aftermath of a disaster.
What You'll Learn in This Article
In this article, we'll cover the following topics related to emergency long term food storage:
- How much food to store
- What types of food to store
- How to store food properly
- The best emergency long term food storage options on the market
By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need to create a comprehensive emergency long term food storage plan that will keep you and your family safe and nourished through any emergency situation.
How Much Food to Store for Emergency Long Term Food Storage
When it comes to emergency long term food storage, one of the most common questions is how much food to store. The amount of food you need to store will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your family, the length of time you want to be prepared for, and your individual dietary needs.
Suggested Quantities of Food and Water
According to fcs.uga.edu, it's recommended that you store at least a two-week supply of food and water for each person in your household. For a family of four, this would amount to a minimum of 56 gallons of water and two weeks' worth of food.
The amount of food you need to store will depend on the number of calories you and your family members need each day. The average adult needs around 2,000-2,500 calories per day, depending on their age, gender, and activity level. Children will require fewer calories, while pregnant or breastfeeding women may require more.
As suggested by mypatriotsupply.com, as a rough guide, you should aim to store at least 1,500 calories per person per day. This will ensure that you have enough energy to stay nourished and healthy even during an emergency situation.
Dietary Needs and Preferences
When planning your emergency long term food storage, it's important to take into account any dietary needs or preferences that you or your family members may have. For example, if you or a family member has a food allergy or intolerance, you will need to ensure that you have an adequate supply of alternative foods.
It's also important to store foods that you and your family will actually eat. As suggested by valleyfoodstorage.com, there's no point in storing foods that no one likes, as they will go to waste and take up valuable storage space.
In addition to food, it's also important to store an adequate supply of vitamins and supplements. During an emergency situation, it may be difficult to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables, which are important sources of vitamins and minerals. As suggested by fcs.uga.edu, a supply of multivitamins and other supplements can help ensure that you and your family are getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
What Types of Foods to Store for Emergency Long Term Food Storage
When it comes to emergency long term food storage, it's important to store foods that are non-perishable, have a long shelf-life, and are high in calories and nutrients. Here are some of the best types of foods to store for emergency long term food storage.
Bulk Staples
Bulk staples are a great option for emergency long term food storage. As suggested by fcs.uga.edu, some of the best bulk staples to store include:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Beans
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
These staples can be stored in airtight containers and can last for years, making them a great option for long term storage.
Canned and Dried Foods
Canned and dried foods are also great options for emergency long term food storage. As suggested by mypatriotsupply.com, some of the best canned and dried foods to store include:
- Canned meats, such as tuna and chicken
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Soups and broths
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Jerky
These foods are easy to store and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for emergency situations.
Protein and Vitamin Supplements
As mentioned in the previous section, it's important to ensure that you and your family are getting the nutrients you need during an emergency situation. As suggested by fcs.uga.edu, some of the best protein and vitamin supplements to store include:
- Multivitamins
- Protein bars and shakes
- Protein powders
- Vitamin C supplements
- Calcium supplements
These supplements can help ensure that you and your family are getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy, even in the absence of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Storing Alternative Foods for Special Dietary Needs
As mentioned earlier, it's important to take into account any special dietary needs or preferences when planning your emergency long term food storage. As suggested by readywise.com, there are a variety of alternative foods available for those with dietary restrictions
How to Store Emergency Long Term Food
When it comes to storing emergency long term food, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that your food stays fresh and edible for as long as possible.
Store in Airtight Containers
As suggested by fcs.uga.edu, it's important to store your emergency long term food in airtight containers to prevent moisture and air from getting in. This will help to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of your food.
Store in a Cool, Dry, Dark Place
According to valleyfoodstorage.com, it's important to store your emergency long term food in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent spoilage. Heat and light can cause food to spoil more quickly, so it's best to store your food in a place that is cool and dark.
Rotate Your Food Supply
As suggested by thereadystore.com, it's important to rotate your emergency long term food supply to ensure that you are always consuming the freshest food possible. This means using and replacing your emergency food supply on a regular basis to prevent it from going bad.
Cook and Prepare Your Food
As suggested by readywise.com, it's important to cook and prepare your emergency long term food properly to ensure that it is safe to eat. This may involve boiling water, following cooking instructions, or using a heat source to prepare your food.
Keep Track of Expiration Dates
As suggested by mypatriotsupply.com, it's important to keep track of the expiration dates of your emergency long term food supply. This will help you to ensure that you are always consuming fresh, safe food and that you are replacing expired food on a regular basis.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can ensure that your emergency long term food supply stays fresh and edible for as long as possible, helping you and your family to stay prepared and safe during an emergency situation.
Where to Buy Emergency Long Term Food Storage
When it comes to buying emergency long term food storage, there are a variety of options available. Here are some of the best places to buy emergency long term food storage.
MyPatriotSupply.com
As mentioned earlier, mypatriotsupply.com is a great place to buy emergency long term food storage. They offer a wide variety of options, including gluten-free and organic options, and their food has a long shelf life, making it a great option for long term storage.
ReadyWise
Readywise.com is another great option when it comes to buying emergency long term food storage. They offer a variety of delicious and nutritious meals, and their food has a shelf life of 25 years or more.
Valley Food Storage
Valleyfoodstorage.com offers emergency food supply kits with a 25-year shelf life. They focus on clean, simple ingredients for high-quality calories, and they do not compromise on quality for an uncertain future.
The Ready Store
Thereadystore.com is another great option for buying emergency long term food storage. They offer a variety of products and functionalities, including allergen-free and specialty options. They also provide ratings and reviews for each product and offer a variety of storage options.
Conclusion
By shopping at these retailers, you can ensure that you are getting high-quality, nutritious emergency long term food storage that will help you and your family stay prepared and safe during an emergency situation.
Be Prepared with Emergency Long Term Food Storage
In conclusion, emergency long term food storage is an important aspect of emergency preparedness. By storing non-perishable, high-calorie, and nutrient-dense foods, you can ensure that you and your family are prepared for unexpected emergencies. Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- Bulk staples, canned and dried foods, and protein and vitamin supplements are great options for emergency long term food storage.
- Storing your food in airtight containers and in a cool, dry, dark place can help to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of your food.
- By rotating your food supply and keeping track of expiration dates, you can ensure that your emergency long term food supply stays fresh and safe to eat.
- MyPatriotSupply.com, ReadyWise, Valley Food Storage, and The Ready Store are all great places to buy emergency long term food storage.
Remember, being prepared is key to staying safe during an emergency situation. Check out our other great content to learn more about emergency preparedness and how you can keep yourself and your family safe.
Questions
Who should consider emergency long term food storage?
Anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected emergencies.
What types of food should I store for emergency long term food storage?
Non-perishable, high-calorie, and nutrient-dense foods are great options.
How long can emergency long term food storage last?
Properly stored emergency long term food storage can last for up to 25 years.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
There are many options available for allergen-free and specialty diets.
How should I store my emergency long term food storage?
Store your food in airtight containers and in a cool, dry, dark place.
What if I don't have a lot of storage space?
Consider storing your emergency long term food storage in a small, designated space, such as a closet or shelf.
