The Importance of Emergency Survival Food for Tornadoes
Tornadoes are one of the most destructive and unpredictable natural disasters on the planet. They can strike with little warning, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it is crucial to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. One of the most important aspects of tornado preparedness is having an adequate supply of emergency survival food.
The Risks of Food Shortage in a Tornado
During a tornado, power outages are common, and roads may be closed, making it difficult to obtain food. This can lead to a dangerous situation where you and your family may go without food for an extended period. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to malnutrition and other health issues. Having an adequate supply of emergency survival food can help ensure that you and your family stay nourished during a tornado and its aftermath.
The Recommended Quantity of Food
It is recommended to store a 3- to 5-day supply of food for each person in the household. The amount of food needed will depend on the number of people in the household and their caloric needs.
How Many Calories per Day?
The average adult needs around 2,000 calories a day to maintain their weight. However, during a natural disaster, you may need more calories to keep up your energy levels. It's recommended to store food with a minimum of 2,400 calories per day per person.
How Much Food Should be Stored?
It is recommended to store at least three meals per person per day. This should include a mix of non-perishable food items that are high in protein, fiber, and nutrients.
The Right Food to Store
When it comes to choosing the right food to store for a tornado, it's important to focus on non-perishable items that have a lengthy expiration date. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Canned Goods
Canned goods are a great option for emergency survival food because they have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare. Some examples include canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and meats. Make sure to stock up on a variety of canned items to ensure you have a balanced diet.
Peanut Butter and Nuts
Peanut butter and nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They are also non-perishable and easy to store. Make sure to choose unsalted nuts and natural peanut butter to avoid excess salt and sugar.
Cartons of Juice and Milk
Cartons of juice and milk are a great source of hydration and nutrients. They are also easy to store and can be consumed without the need for refrigeration.
Prepackaged Survival Meals
Prepackaged survival meals are designed specifically for emergency situations and are a convenient option for tornado preparedness. They come in a variety of flavors and can be easily prepared with boiling water.
Fresh Produce and Sausages
Fresh produce and hard, packaged sausages should be bought right before an emergency. While these items are perishable, they can be consumed within the first few days after a tornado if stored properly.
Food Safety During a Tornado
During a tornado, power outages can occur, which can compromise your food supply. It's essential to follow food safety guidelines to avoid getting sick from contaminated food. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, here are some tips to ensure food safety during a tornado:
Tips to Ensure Food Safety
Discard Perishable Food
After a power outage, perishable food items such as dairy, meat, and eggs should be discarded if they have been above 40°F for two hours or more. This includes items in the refrigerator, freezer, and any other coolers. If in doubt, it's better to throw it out. Ready.gov also recommends discarding any perishable food that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.
Cook Without Electricity
During a power outage, it's important to have alternative cooking methods available. These can include a charcoal grill, propane stove, or Sterno. Make sure to use these cooking methods outside to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to Ready.gov, it's essential to have alternative cooking sources available during a power outage.
Use Alternative Cooking Sources
If you don't have access to a grill or stove, there are other ways to cook your emergency survival food. You can use a solar oven, a campfire, or even a car engine. Be creative and resourceful in your cooking methods. Real Simple also suggests using alternative cooking sources during a power outage.
Use Dry Ice to Keep Food Cold
If you have access to dry ice, this can be used to keep food cold in a cooler. Just make sure to handle the dry ice with gloves and to store it in a well-ventilated area. According to ReadyWise, dry ice can be used to keep food cold in a cooler.
Preparing for Special Needs
If you or someone in your household has special needs, it's essential to plan for these needs in your emergency survival food supply.
Medication
If you or a family member requires medication, make sure to store a sufficient supply in your emergency kit. This should include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and any medical supplies such as inhalers or glucose meters. Ready.gov also recommends storing a sufficient supply of medication in your emergency kit.
Baby Formula
If you have an infant, make sure to store a sufficient supply of baby formula in your emergency kit. This should also include any necessary feeding supplies such as bottles and nipples. Ready.gov also suggests storing baby formula and necessary feeding supplies in your emergency kit.
Storing Emergency Survival Food for Tornadoes
When it comes to storing emergency survival food for tornadoes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your food supply remains safe and fresh. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Store Non-Perishable Food Items
When storing emergency survival food, it's essential to focus on non-perishable items that have a long shelf life. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, canned goods are the best choice for an emergency food supply. Some examples include canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and meats. Dry goods such as rice, pasta, and beans are also good options.
Store Food in a Cool, Dry Place
When storing emergency survival food, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This will help prolong the shelf life of the food and prevent it from spoiling. According to Ready.gov, it's best to store food in a dry, cool spot that is away from direct sunlight.
Rotate Your Food Supply
To ensure that your emergency survival food remains fresh, it's important to rotate your food supply regularly. This means using older items first and replacing them with new ones. According to Real Simple, it's a good idea to check your emergency food supply every six months and replace any items that are close to expiring.
Don't Forget About Water
In addition to emergency survival food, it's important to have a supply of clean drinking water on hand during a tornado. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, it's recommended to store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. Make sure to store water in a cool, dry place, and replace it every six months.
Consider Dietary Restrictions
If you or someone in your household has dietary restrictions, it's important to consider these when storing emergency survival food. Make sure to stock up on food items that meet these restrictions, and store them separately from other food items. According to Disaster Preparedness, it's important to have a well-stocked supply of food and water that meets any special dietary needs.
Emergency Survival Food Recipes for Tornadoes
Having an emergency food supply is crucial during a tornado, but that doesn't mean you have to subsist on bland, unappetizing food. With a little creativity, you can create delicious meals using your emergency survival food. Here are some recipes to try:
Recipe 1: Canned Chili
Canned chili is a great option for an emergency survival food. It's easy to prepare and can be eaten on its own or used as a topping for baked potatoes, rice, or pasta. According to Disaster Preparedness, canned stews and soups are an important part of your emergency food supply.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of chili
- 1 can of corn
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a pot and heat on medium-high heat.
- Stir occasionally until the chili is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Recipe 2: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic comfort food and a great option for an emergency survival food. They're easy to make and can be eaten on the go. According to Real Simple, peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Jelly or jam
Instructions
- Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
- Spread jelly or jam on the other slice of bread.
- Put the two slices of bread together with the peanut butter and jelly sides facing each other.
- Serve and enjoy.
Recipe 3: Canned Tuna Salad
Canned tuna is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of dishes, including tuna salad. It's easy to prepare and can be eaten on its own or used as a topping for crackers or bread. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, canned meat and fish are a good choice for an emergency food supply.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of tuna
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of diced celery
- 1/4 cup of diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the cans of tuna and transfer the tuna to a bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, celery, and onion to the bowl and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve as is or as a topping for crackers or bread.
Recipe 4: Canned Fruit Salad
Canned fruit salad is a sweet and refreshing option for an emergency survival food. It's easy to prepare and can be eaten on its own or used as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. According to ReadyWise, it's important to stock up on high-energy, high-protein, and nutritious non-perishable foods with lengthy expiration dates.
Ingredients
- 1 can of peaches
- 1 can of pears
- 1 can of pineapple
- 1 can of mandarin oranges
- 1/4 cup of honey
Instructions
- Drain the cans of fruit and transfer the fruit to a bowl.
- Add the honey to the bowl and mix well.
- Serve as is or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Remember to stock up on your favorite emergency survival food items so that you can create tasty meals during a tornado.
Conclusion
Being prepared for a tornado means having an emergency survival food supply to last at least three days. Canned goods are a great option for emergency food, as they have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare. Remember to also stock up on non-perishable food items, such as peanut butter, crackers, and cereal bars.
In addition to having an emergency food supply, it's important to have the necessary equipment to prepare and eat your food. This includes can openers, cooking equipment, plastic plates and cutlery, and matches kept in a waterproof container. According to Disaster Preparedness, it is essential to have enough food for three meals a day and aim for 2000 calories per day.
By following these tips and stocking up on your favorite emergency survival food items, you can be better prepared for a tornado and ensure that you and your family have access to nutritious and tasty food during an emergency.
Don't forget to check out our other great content on emergencypreparedness.cc to learn more about disaster preparedness and keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during an emergency.
FAQs
Q.Who should have an emergency survival food supply for tornadoes?
A.Everyone living in areas prone to tornadoes should have an emergency survival food supply.
Q.What are the best types of food for an emergency survival food supply during a tornado?
A.Canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, cereal bars, and non-perishable food with lengthy expiration dates.
Q.How long should an emergency survival food supply last for a tornado?
A.An emergency survival food supply should last at least three days to ensure you have access to food during an emergency.
Q.What if I don't like the taste of canned food or other emergency survival options?
A.It's important to prioritize nutrition and shelf life over taste during an emergency, but try to stock up on your preferred options.
Q.How do I store my emergency survival food supply for a tornado?
A.Store your emergency survival food supply in a cool, dry place and make sure to rotate the food items every six months.
Q.What should I do with my emergency survival food supply after a tornado?
A.If the food has been exposed to flood waters or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more, it should be discarded.
