Emergency Food Supplies After a Disaster

If you’re facing the aftermath of a disaster, you need to know what to put in an emergency kit and what to put in an emergency preparedness bag – and you need to know what foods to pack, too, as well as how to safely use them.

Your damage restoration expert will be there to help you figure out what to do next, but these tips could help you quite a bit immediately after a disaster.

Foods You Should Store for an Emergency

Baby food and formula
Canned juice
Dried fruit
Dry cereal or granola
High-energy foods
Non-perishable pasteurized milk
Peanut butter
Protein or fruit bars
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables (and a can opener)

Preparing Emergency Food Supplies

If your stove is out, you can cook canned food over a candle warmer, chafing dish, fondue pot or fireplace. (You can use a charcoal grill or camp stove outside, too.)

To heat food in a can, remove the label and wash and disinfect the can. Then, open it before you heat it. (You can get more information here.)

Where to Store Emergency Food Supplies

You should store emergency food supplies outside your home in case a disaster strikes. Many people choose to store them in a car’s trunk, at work or at someone else’s house, which can be tremendously helpful if your home catches fire or is subjected to storm, wind or water damage.