Emergency Preparedness: Essential in disaster-ready pantry

As the pace of global change has quickened, emergency preparedness has become as crucial to individual survival as a long-term plan. Whether it be the threat of earthquake, tsunami or flood; or some unexpected human-created crisis, having a plan and a pantry full of vital supplies might mean the difference between survival and despair. As the old adage goes: ‘It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it’.

This article will look at the centre of the disaster-ready pantry and talk a little bit about why those items – certain foods and products – are so important to keeping you and your family fed, and well, when the unexpected happens.

The Importance of a Disaster-Ready Pantry

Navigating through the Unexpected

Disasters do not announce their arrival, and emergency services might be able to reach you in time to save your life, but it might also take days or weeks before you receive outside help. A well-stocked pantry won’t prevent you from getting sick from an illness, but it can give you needed nourishment and relief when you can’t leave your home.

Cost-Effective Preparedness

As you’ll see, keeping a well-stocked, periodically rotated disaster pantry is for the most part affordable if you buy nutrient-rich, long-lasting items and fill it up a little at a time.

Essentials for a Disaster-Ready Pantry

Long-Lasting Protein Sources

Canned Tuna and Chicken: Excellent source of protein and will stay good for years, un-opened.

Beans and lentils: Canned or dried, these are great sources of protein and fibre, essential for energy and digestion.

Freeze Dried Foods

Freeze-dried foods are important for emergency preparedness, because they are nutrient-dense, have a long-term shelf life, and need water to prepare.

When space travel requires a significant amount of time, micronutrients can become a problem Freeze-dried veggies such as carrots, potatoes and peas: these contain plenty of quality calories and are nutrient-rich as well, along with being lightweight. They rehydrate quickly, too, which adds a bit of freshness. And in the absence of hard vegetables, they also contribute a hint of vitamins and minerals.

FREEZE DRIED FRUITS. It’s important to get a quick sugar hit in a survival situation so many experts suggest it can be as easy as grabbing a handful of dried fruit. It provides all the sugar and vitamins you need.

Grains and Carbohydrates

Rice and Pasta: These keep indefinitely and go with anything.

Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that's also rich in essential amino acids.

Water and Hydration

You need to store adequate water, with either water purification tablets or filters. The typical recommendation is one gallon of water per person per day.

Miscellaneous Essentials

Salt, Sugar, and Honey: Basic seasonings and sweeteners can make food more palatable.

Nuts and Seeds: Long-lasting sources of energy and essential fats.

Cooking Oil: Necessary for preparing many foods.

Maintaining and Rotating Your Stock

A disaster-ready pantry is never truly a ‘set it and forget it’ endeavour; periodically check expiration dates, rotate your supplies, and replace what you used. Added to that, make shifts in the pantry that reflect the dietary needs and preferences of the consumers.

Conclusion

Stash your freezer with bagged, freeze dried vegetables, proteins, grains and other essentials so you’re as ready as you can be. Here’s hoping it’s never used, but will it be worth your peace of mind? Knowing that you’re ready for whatever comes will hopefully allow you to face even tough times with calm and strength. Call it being ready for anything, or call it emergency preparedness, but it’s a responsibility to yourself and those you care about. This article was created by the Aspire contributor network and does not necessarily reflect the views of Aspire’s editorial staff.