Food Labels and Other Emergency Preparedness Storage Help

Written by UPrinting    ●    Updated on November 17, 2023


Being prepared in the event of an emergency is the best way to feel confident and in control when so much else is uncertain. Making sure your family's basic needs are met is essential, and in order to do that, you need to plan ahead. Everything from how we cook and clean to how we care for our pets can change in times of disaster, and knowing what to do in the face of an emergency will help you to stay level-headed.


Food Storage

In an emergency, it's important to have food readily available. All foods have a shelf life, but some are much longer than others, and that's what makes them perfect for emergency food storage. Canned vegetables and fruits in water or juice, canned meat or fish, peanut butter, whole-wheat crackers, nuts, and granola bars are all excellent foods to buy in bulk and keep on hand. Make sure to keep a can opener with your emergency food supply, too. When storing these foods, it's important to label them clearly with their expiration dates. Then, rotate them regularly, adding new products and using up the old ones before they go bad.


Water Storage

Necessary for survival, fresh water is an invaluable part of any emergency preparedness plan. A minimum emergency water supply should include one gallon of water per person per day, and you should keep at least three days worth of water in your emergency stockpile. That amount adds up quickly. For example, a family of four would need at least 12 gallons of water to use for cooking, cleaning, and basic hygiene for three days. To build a stockpile of fresh water to sustain your family in an emergency, consumers can purchase gallon jugs of water at most grocery stores. To save money, you can also sanitize 2-liter soda bottles and fill them with clean water. You'll need two 2-liter bottles to hold a gallon of water.


Cooking Fuel

The ability to cook hot meals during times of uncertainty can be comforting and may help to provide a family with a sense of normalcy. Propane is a great alternative fuel source to have on hand during an emergency, as it can be stored indefinitely. Likewise, charcoal can be part of an emergency preparedness kit. However, it's important to note that propane and charcoal should not be used indoors. Other popular fuel sources that can be used when the power is out include wood, kerosene, coal, and solar power. Emergency generators can also be valuable investments for those who live in areas of the country that are at a higher risk of a weather-related emergency or natural disaster.


Hygiene Items

Basic hygiene can go a long way in preventing the spread of germs that can make people seriously ill. Keeping a stock of soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, antibacterial wipes, sponges and washcloths, and towels can be very helpful. Feminine hygiene products, including tampons and pads, are essential, as are diapers, wipes, and diaper cream if you have young children. Beyond these basics, portable camping toilets can be purchased and stored to be used in emergency situations.


First Aid Kits and Emergency Medical Supplies

First aid kits are often sold with much of what you'd need for minor emergencies. Many choose to add to their first aid kit to include less common items or items that may run out quickly. A tackle box or toolbox is a great container for a more substantial first aid kit.

Make sure that your first aid kit takes into account the unique needs of your family. This may include specific medications and medical supplies. Always check with your medical care provider about properly storing prescription medications. You may also choose to keep an EpiPen in the event that someone around you experiences an allergic reaction. Wound dressings, antibiotic ointment, and disinfectant are essential, and tools such as tweezers, scissors, a needle and thread, and a thermometer are also important.


Pet Emergency Preparedness

When you're a pet owner, taking care of your pet is as important as taking care of every other member of your family. Drinking water is essential to have for your pet in an emergency, and a store of pet food is a must. If a pet needs medication, that should also be included in your first aid kit. Make sure to keep your pet's medical papers with their carrier in case you need to pack them up and move them quickly. A pet bed and blankets are also good to have, and a couple of pet toys are a nice extra. In case your pet goes missing, make sure you have a photo of them on hand.


Additional Disaster Safety Information

  • Are You Ready? This free information on disaster and emergency preparedness is a great resource for you to start preparing as a family or individual.
  • Ten Steps to Safety: During any type of emergency, it's important to take care and responsibility. Be better prepared by following these ten steps.
  • Food Safety Before, During, and After a Disaster: Food safety is an important part of overall health in an emergency. Know how to store, use, and dispose of your food during an emergency.
  • General Preparedness: Tip sheets and important general emergency resources can be found here and can be very helpful in the event of an emergency.
  • Natural Disasters and Preparedness: Different natural disasters may require different preparation.
  • Are You Ready for a Disaster? Learn more about different types of natural disasters and how to be best prepared for each.
  • Understanding Disasters: A disaster doesn't wait until you're at home to happen. This resource shares what should be done in the face of different types of natural disasters in different settings, including home, work, school, outside, or in the car.
  • Emergency Survival Guide: Firefighters are there to help in an emergency, but it's also important that we do everything we can to help ourselves.
  • Get Ready for an Emergency: Learn the basic steps you need to take to plan for a dangerous situation.