When an emergency strikes, you need to be prepared. The stress of not knowing what will happen next and how long the situation will last can be overwhelming. However, by being prepared ahead of time, you can reduce the stress and increase your chances of survival if faced with a natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstance. There are many different types of emergencies that can occur at any given time, from extreme weather events like floods and fires to pandemics like the flu or similar viruses. Depending on where you live, some natural disasters are more common than others. Regardless of which type of emergency you might face, it’s important to have a plan in place. An emergency food kit is essential for any person who wants to be prepared for anything that comes their way.
Emergency Food Supply Kit Checklist
When building a food supply kit, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need in order to sustain yourself and your family for a few days. Your 3 day emergency food supply kit should include enough food and water to sustain you and your family during an emergency. You may also consider adding other survival essentials such as a first aid kit, extra clothing, and basic tools to your kit as well. Here is a checklist of what you need to include in your 3 day emergency food supply kit:
- Food – Make sure you have a well-balanced food supply that includes enough carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This will help keep your energy levels up and help you stay calm during an emergency.
- Water – You can never have too much water. You should plan to store enough water for each person in your household for 3 days.
- First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is essential in any emergency situation. Make sure you pack basic first aid supplies, such as bandages and antibiotic ointments.
- Tools – Basic tools, such as a wrench and screwdriver set, can come in handy during an emergency. Make sure you pack a few tools that are essential for everyday life, such as a hammer and pliers.
- Extra Clothing – Make sure you pack extra clothing, such as a winter coat and gloves if you live in an area with cold winters.
Before You Start
Creating an emergency food supply kit from scratch can be a difficult process, especially if you’ve never done it before. The best way to get started is to look at your budget and plan out how much money you’re able to spend on food and other key essentials. From there, you can begin to figure out how much food you need in order to survive for a few days. You’ll want to focus on buying canned and freeze dried foods that last a long time, as well as foods that are easy to prepare. You can even start building your emergency food supply kit by simply learning how to store the food you already have. Make sure to store your food in airtight containers and in cool, dry places that are out of the way of rodents, insects, and other pests. You can also buy food-grade plastic bags to store your grains and flours, which can help extend their shelf life.
Food options
The specific foods you choose to store in your emergency food supply will vary based on your dietary needs and preferences, but there are a few things that should always be included. Make sure to include foods that have long shelf lives and are easy to prepare. That way, even if there is power outage or you are unable to cook, you’ll still be able to eat. Here are a few staples that should always be included in your emergency food supply kit:
- Canned foods – Canned foods, such as beans, tuna, and corn, are excellent items to store in your emergency food supply kit. They’re easy to open, can last for several years, and are inexpensive to buy.
- Dried foods – Dried and powdered foods, such as rice and oats, can also be stored in your emergency food supply kit.
- Specialist freeze dried foods and meals designed for survival situations and long term storage. These foods are developed with longevity, nutrition and ease of preparation in mind and, with shelf lives of up to 30 years, they are ideal for emergency food storage.
- Powdered milk – Powdered milk is a great source of protein and calcium that can be added to many different dishes. This can be mixed with water to create a beverage that is high in calcium.
Final Words
The types of emergencies you might face and the length of time that they’ll last can vary from one person to the next. You can never be too prepared for an emergency, which is why it’s important to build an emergency food supply kit well in advance. By storing the right foods in your kit, you’ll be able to sustain yourself and your family for a few days or potentially a few weeks or months. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or you expect to have a long power outage, having an emergency food supply kit on hand can help you stay calm and prepared.