Emergency Food Must Haves
When disaster hits, survival is the top priority. The most essential items to have ready as part of your emergency preparedness plan are food and water. You never know if you will have access to electricity or gas for cooking, therefore, it is important to have a variety of food staples that can be consumed in an emergency situation. Here is a review of the various types of emergency food must haves.
MRE:
MRE is an acronym for Meal, Ready-to-Eat. These have been in use for years by the United States military and are both nutritious as well as palatable. MREs are a self-contained meal that provides nutritional balance and sustenance. They can be eaten warm or cold. Most MREs contain an entrée, a side dish, a drink, utensils, and a heating device. MREs can be safely stored for several years.
Freeze Dried Food:
Originally developed by the United States Space Program, freeze dried food is lightweight and can be safely stored for up to 30 years without compromising its nutritional value. Freeze dried foods come in all kinds of varieties, including meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, desserts, and beverages. To prepare freeze dried food, all you need is a single burner or candle to heat water. Food is freeze dried by flash freezing fresh or cooked food and then placing them in cold, vacuum-sealed chambers. Low-level heat is used to remove moisture in order to prevent spoilage. It often comes pre-seasoned.
Dehydrated Food:
Dehydrated foods are compact and cost efficient. They are usually prepared without any additional spices, therefore, they require cooking and seasoning. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, mixes, and beverages can all be dehydrated and are typically packaged as single food servings.
Canned Goods:
Canned goods are foods stored in liquids and preserved through the process of canning. They have an extremely long shelf life and serve as a tasty alternative to fresh or frozen foods. They are safe and nutritious for consumption. Foods can be canned in metal cans or glass jars, but should never be frozen.
In a disaster situation, you are already experiencing heightened levels of stress. Having a variety of food is a good idea. However, it is best not to add to the stress with a supply of foods that you have never eaten or foods that may cause allergic reactions. Additionally, you want to be sure that your food supplies are not old or expired. Rotate foods to keep your storage fresh.