2010 8 Feb

Disaster Preparedness

We want to be prepared to any possible situations. And home food storage is a key factor in getting prepared to possible disasters. Water and food storage is essential in most types of disasters. You need to have a supply of food in your home in the case of a natural disaster, a pandemic strike or even a financial crisis. People who want to be prepared to such situations wonder how much water and food they need to survive.
Water is definitely the most important part of your home food storage. We could survive much longer without food than without water. The American Red Cross suggests storing one gallon of water per each person for one day. Three gallons of water per person for day are better as they allow proper personal hygiene. The American Red Cross recommends having a three day supply of water in your emergency storage. However, other sources state you should have a two weeks supply of this valuable item.
It is better to keep water in a cool and dark place away from heat sources. All kinds of food grade containers are good for storing water. Two liter plastic bottles are great for storing water. They should be cleaned with soap and bleached before use. Try to avoid milk and juice bottles for this purpose though. If you purchase water, keep it unpacked until needed. If you store your own water supply, mark each container with date and rotate your storage every half a year. No treatment is required if water comes from a city utility. If you take water from other non treated source, make sure you bleach it with special bleach.
Other food products in your food storage should be: wheat, beans, corn, rice, pasta, potato flakes, sugar, powdered milk, apple slices and dehydrated carrots. Most of these products could last for up to thirty years when stored properly. They should be kept dry in a cool place (below 75 degrees F).
Appropriate food containers along with oxygen absorbers will ensure a very long shelf life for your foods. How much food to store depends on your personal opinion. It is generally recommended to have a one year supply of food for your family. But not all of us have enough room for storing so many products.
Short term food storage should consist of a three month supply of foods that you normally eat. These products should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage. Think of getting a vacuum sealer to store some dry foods like nuts, raisins, candy bars etc. This technique could allow you to extend the shelf life of your dry foods up to three years. However, you should always remember that the higher the temperature, the shorter the shelf life.

This planet gets nasty – it’s time to be prepared. Read more about food storage – this knowledge can save your life and the lives of other people you care about. Visit this food storage site for interesting updates in the food storage industry.