Category: Emergency Supplies

Emergency Food Storage: 22 Best Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency

1/12/2015

Compiled by Survival ready Blog Team

Every other week, it seems there’s a new fringe group forecasting the end of the world as we know it. But even for those who don’t believe the apocalypse is imminent, there are plenty of reasons to worry about the future. The employment market isn't recovering at a very rapid pace, and for many, the threat of unemployment and job loss is real.

And, of course, rising food prices have been a hot topic as a result of natural disasters, unexpected weather patterns, and inflation. With these very real concerns weighing on your mind, you don’t have to be a survivalist to see the value of increased self-reliance. One of the best strategies to prepare for an uncertain economic future is to create a long-term emergency food storage system.

Why Should You Consider Emergency Food Storage?
Having non-perishables on hand for use in a variety of situations is a good way to increase your food security. It can provide a safety net designed to catch you if you feel you are about to fall due to circumstances out of your control. Here are a few suggestions for food staples that you can stock up on. As always, though, it is a good idea to adjust your storage to fit your family’s needs:

Via Real Simple

These items have lengthy expiration dates, so you can stash them away for long periods of time. Make a list of everything in your stockpile and check expiration dates every 6 to 12 months to keep things fresh. And don’t forget to have a can opener on hand at all times—all that food won’t be of any use if you can’t open it.

Peanut butter

A great source of energy, peanut butter is chock-full of healthful fats and protein. Unless the jar indicates otherwise, you don’t have to refrigerate after opening.

Nuts and trail mixes

Stock up on these high-energy foods—they’re healthful and convenient for snacking. Look for vacuum-packed containers, which prevent the nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness.

Whole-wheat crackers

Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. Due to their higher fat content, whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts (check the box for expiration dates), but the extra fiber pays off when you’re particularly hungry. Consider vacuum-packing your crackers to prolong their freshness.

Cereal

Choose multigrain cereals that are individually packaged so they don’t become stale after opening.

Granola bars and power bars

Healthy and filling, these portable snacks usually stay fresh for at least six months. Plus, they’re an excellent source of carbohydrates. “You can get more energy from carbohydrates without [eating] tons of food,” says Andress.

Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins

In the absence of fresh fruit, these healthy snacks offer potassium and dietary fiber. “Dried fruits provide you with a significant amount of nutrients and calories

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey

Generally lasting at least two years in the pantry, canned meats provide essential protein. Vacuum-packed pouches have a shorter shelf life but will last at least six months, says Diane Van, manager of the USDA meat and poultry hotline

Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas

When the real deal isn’t an option, canned varieties can provide you with essential nutrients.

Canned soups and chili

Soups and chili can be eaten straight out of the can and provide a variety of nutrients. Look for low-sodium options.

Bottled water

Try to stock at least a three-day supply--you need at least one gallon per person per day. “A normally active person should drink at least a half gallon of water each day,” says Andress. “The other half gallon is for adding to food and washing.”

Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade

The electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks will help you rehydrate and replenish fluid when water is scarce.
Via Real Simple

In addition to these supplies, did you know that with proper storage techniques, you can have a lifetime supply of certain foods? Certain foods can stand the test of time, and continue being a lifeline to the families that stored it. Knowing which foods last indefinitely and how to store them are you keys to success.

The best way to store food for the long term is by using a multi-barrier system. This system protects the food from natural elements such as moisture and sunlight, as well as from insect infestations. Typically, those who store bulk foods look for inexpensive items that have multi-purposes and will last long term.

Listed below are 11 food items that are not only multi-purpose preps, but they can last a lifetime!

Via Ready Nutrition

Honey

Honey never really goes bad. In a tomb in Egypt 3,000 years ago, honey was found and was still edible. If there are temperature fluctuations and sunlight, then the consistency and color can change. Many honey harvesters say that when honey crystallizes, then it can be re-heated and used just like fresh honey. Because of honey’s low water content, microorganisms do not like the environment.

Uses: curing, baking, medicinal, wine (mead).

Salt

Although salt is prone to absorbing moisture, it’s shelf life is indefinite. This indispensable mineral will be a valuable commodity in a long term disaster and will be a essential bartering item.

Uses: curing, preservative, cooking, cleaning, medicinal, tanning hides.

Sugar

Life would be so boring without sugar. Much like salt, sugar is also prone to absorbing moisture, but this problem can be eradicated by adding some rice granules into the storage container.

Uses: sweetener for beverages, breads, cakes, preservative, curing, gardening, insecticide (equal parts of sugar and baking powder will kill cockroaches).

Wheat

Wheat is a major part of the diet for over 1/3 of the world. This popular staple supplies 20% of daily calories to a majority of the world population. Besides being a high carbohydrate food, wheat contains valuable protein, minerals, and vitamins. Wheat protein, when balanced by other foods that supply certain amino acids such as lysine, is an efficient source of protein.

Uses: baking, making alcohol, livestock feed, leavening agent.

Dried corn

Essentially, dried corn can be substituted for any recipe that calls for fresh corn. Our ancestors began drying corn because of it’s short lived season. To extend the shelf life of corn, it has to be preserved by drying it out so it can be used later in the year.

Uses: soups, cornmeal, livestock feed, hominy and grits, heating source (do a search for corn burning fireplaces).

Baking soda

This multi-purpose prep is a must have for long term storage.

Uses: teeth cleaner, household cleaner, dish cleaner, laundry detergent booster, leavening agent for baked goods, tarnish remover.

Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa

Adding these to your long term storage will not only add a variety to just drinking water, but will also lift morale. Instant coffee is high vacuum freeze dried. So, as long as it is not introduced to moisture, then it will last. Storage life for all teas and cocoas can be extended by using desiccant packets or oxygen absorbing packets, and by repackaging the items with a vacuum sealing.

Uses: beverages, flavor additions to baked goods.

Non-carbonated soft drinks

Although many of us prefer carbonated beverages, over time the sugars break down and the drink flavor is altered. Non-carbonated beverages stand a longer test of time. And, as long as the bottles are stored in optimum conditions, they will last. Non-carbonated beverages include: vitamin water, Gatorade, juices, bottled water.

Uses: beverages, flavor additions to baked goods.

White rice

White rice is a major staple item that preppers like to put away because it’s a great source for calories, cheap and has a long shelf life. If properly stored this popular food staple can last 30 years or more.

Uses: breakfast meal, addition to soups, side dishes, alternative to wheat flour

Bouillon products

Because bouillon products contain large amounts of salt, the product is preserved. However, over time, the taste of the bouillon could be altered. If storing bouillon cubes, it would be best repackage them using a food sealer or sealed in mylar bags.

Uses: flavoring dishes

Powdered milk

Powdered milk can last indefinitely, however, it is advised to prolong it’s shelf life by either repackaging it for longer term storage, or placing it in the freezer. If the powdered milk develops an odor or has turned a yellowish tint, it’s time to discard.

Uses: beverage, dessert, ingredient for certain breads, addition to soup and baked goods.
Via Ready Nutrition

P.S: There several ways to improve your food supply security. One way is "aquaponics", which is a system of aquaculture where the waste produced by fish supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purify the water. It sounds very complex, and it can be, so research is critical if you want to get started. Here's a course that significantly cuts the learning curve and simplifies the whole process of getting going and maintaining an "aquaponics" system. Learn More Here

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Emergency Essentials: 101 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies

1/11/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

The time to prepare for emergencies is now. Not only you'll need supplies in an emergency, you will also need to have a plan you can implement at a moment's notice. We have put together a report that reveals 101 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies.
Download Full Report Here

Here's a quick Summary of the top 10 ways to prepare for emergencies

1. Remember to prepare for everyone in the home. When you are putting together a plan to prepare in the case of an emergency, it is very important to remember to plan for not only yourself and your children, but also for your family pets and any guests who could potentially be with you at the time of the emergency. Many people fail to plan for their pets, and unfortunately many pets are lost each year as a result. Sometimes, you have to act in the best interest of the people, and there is nothing that you can do. But it is definitely worth putting together an emergency plan for your pets.

2. Have meeting places lined up, and make sure that everyone knows where they are. You should generally have three-five locations that everyone in the home knows about where you can meet up in the case of separation during an emergency. This could be a neighbor’s front yard, a local business and possibly a relative’s home a few miles away. This way, you will not have to wander around looking for family members because they too will make their way toward the pre- determined locations.

3. Attach your appliances to the floor. Particularly in flood prone areas, it is recommended that gas appliances be attached to the floor. Your appliance will most likely be destroyed in the case of a severe flood; however the risk that you are alleviating is that of your gas line rupturing, presenting a possible explosion risk within your home. You can use straps, mounting bolts or another method for attaching the appliances to the floor, or even to a wall. Just remember that is you attach to the wall, the wall should be constructed of solid material.

4. Buy plenty of flashlights and even more batteries. It is always important to have a flashlight on hand. In general, most people use flashlights ten or more times during the course of a year. A good quality flashlight should be on hand in the kitchen, or other central room of the home. In addition, everyone should have a flashlight near their bed in case of a middle of the night emergency. There are now a lot of emergency flashlights that do not require batteries. Instead, they are powered by a hand crank and have a halogen bulb for added brightness.

5. Inspect your home carefully. One of the first things to do when planning for emergency preparedness is to get to know the ins and outs of your home. At a minimum, you should know where all of your utility shut-offs are located. You should also take a look around to see if there are heavy objects which could fall on someone and result in an injury. Take care to check the handrails on your stairs to ensure safety in a situation where the stairs are unstable.

6. Reconsider your storage areas. Take some time to look through your storage areas to ensure that the heaviest items on shelves are at the bottom, near the floor. Make sure that any storage shelving is secured to the wall in some way. Consider whether there is any risk of a fire, or if your storage area contains little more than fuel should a fire start. Clean out old things that you do not plan to use, in order to reduce the fire hazard.

7. Find all of the chemicals in your home. It is important to know where your chemicals are stored, and whether they present an additional risk in the event of an emergency. For example, you should never store ammonia and bleach in the same location! Many people do not consider this, however should the two combine the results could be very dangerous due to the emission of toxic gas. Paint, paint thinner and other chemicals should NEVER be stored near your furnace, water heater or any other appliance with a lit pilot light.

8. Find a safe spot in your home. Depending on the type of natural disasters to which your location is prone, this spot can range from the basement to the attic. Generally, everyone should have a high ground location in the case of a flood. However, if your area is prone to earthquakes you would most likely want to be somewhere like under a sturdy door frame. If tornadoes are common, you should have a below ground location, with little that can fall on you from overhead.

9. Have a written plan. Many people spend a lot of time putting together an actual emergency plan, but they never put it in writing. Well, in the case of an emergency there is a good chance that someone will miss a critical step in the process of evacuation, etc. Therefore – always have a copy of your plan for each member of the house. Perhaps the plan can be stored in a nightstand drawer with a flashlight.

10. Review your emergency plan. You are not the only one who needs to be familiar with your emergency plan unless you live alone. Make sure that everyone knows his or her responsibilities according to the plan. And, make sure that you review the plan upon occasion to make sure that it still works for you and that everyone knows exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.

Download Full Report Here: 101 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies

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Lessons From An Off Grid Living Expert

1/6/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

Off grid living means shunning these public utilities in favor of creating your own energy and resources. Some homeowners choose to be partially off the grid by supplying their own electricity and ditching their phone line, while relying on the convenience of city water and sewage.

Others choose to live completely off-grid by digging wells or using a cistern system to collect water. A septic tank takes care of the sewage and, just like that, no more water bill either.

It's impossible to get an accurate count of exactly how many people in the United States practice off the grid living, but in 2006, Home Power magazine estimated that more than 180,000 homes were supplying their own power.

Here are a few lessons from a real world off grid living expert:

"Follow this advice about off the grid living from a 20-year veteran of producing utility-free electricity.

Lesson: Purchase additional solar panels as soon as you can afford them.

In hindsight, I wish we’d had the money to purchase more photovoltaic panels sooner. Each additional solar panel has made off-grid living more comfortable — ah, the simple joy of a toaster! — and has given us more confidence to use less propane and more solar-powered electricity for our cooking and baking.
Read more.

Lesson: Build a root cellar for electricity-free food storage.

We have a cistern below our kitchen, which we use as a root cellar. The cistern is cool but never freezes, and it has a high level of humidity, which is optimal for storing our garden vegetables. We put up a significant portion of staple crops this way and continue to experiment to find vegetable varieties that keep well.
Read more.

Lesson: Multiple Methods to Heat Water.

About 60 percent of our hot water comes from our solar hot water system. During cloudy days in late fall and early winter, neither of our systems produces enough hot water for us, so we rely on our woodstove. We always have large kettles of water on the woodstove to keep about 10 gallons of hot water on demand. During winter, we fill large stockpots with water and heat them up on our woodstove for baths. We bathe in a cast-iron claw-foot tub that absorbs the water’s heat and radiates it back into the bathroom throughout the night."
Read more full story here

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Keep Supplies Safe During a Power Outage

11/21/2014

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Winter is here, and for large number of people in the country that means single digit temperatures, snow storms and a lot of shoveling snow. With the snow and low temperatures it causes power lines to bear more weight than usual and increases probability of power outages. Being prepared before the power goes out is one f those basic things everyone should do. Basic things, like locating flashlights and matches somewhere where they are readily available and making sure they are in working condition, are a must do if you live in an area exposed to that kind of weather in the winter. Below is an article that lays out several tips on how to prepare for and keep your supplies safe during a power outage. Click here to read full post…

“Of course, the best time to prepare for a disaster is before it strikes – but, when you find yourself facing any sort of emergency before you’ve had time to prepare, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect your precious supplies – especially food and water. Keep these tips in mind (or print them out and keep them on hand) in case you ever find yourself caught off guard.

Of course, the biggest concern is food spoilage. You can minimize the amount of spoilage experienced by:

1. Keep the doors to your freezer and refrigerator closed, and food will stay cold for about four hours.
2. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to monitor temperatures. Food that reaches 40 degrees or higher can’t be refrozen and should be disposed of.

In addition to these tips, be sure to keep a minimum of three days of non-perishable food items on hand that don’t require running water or heating for consumption.

Keeping Water Safe During a Power Outage
In some areas, water may stop flowing to your home if the power is out. When this happens, you’ll have no choice but to rely on personal water supplies or water purification devices. It’s best to keep a supply of water on hand.

Not including washing, and cleaning, the average person needs at least one gallon of water per day to remain properly hydrated. The more water you can store, the better off you’ll be – but be sure to keep at least five gallons on hand for each adult and child in your household.

Keeping Other Survival Supplies Safe During a Power Outage
While most of your supplies are unlikely to suffer damage during a power supply, there’s always a chance that desperate neighbors come to your home for help. Protect yourself and your family by keeping the details of your supplies to a minimum. Your neighbors are far less likely to try and steal what they don’t know you have.”

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Emergency Food Storage: 22 Best Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency

Emergency Essentials: 101 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies

Lessons From An Off Grid Living Expert

Keep Supplies Safe During a Power Outage

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