The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to October 31. If a storm threatens, will you and your family be ready? If you start preparing today, you can be.
Should a hurricane strike your area, it is important to have enough non-perishable packaged or canned food to last three to seven days. It takes disaster relief at least three days to reach an affected area, so having the minimum on hand is very important. The first time our power was out due to a hurricane was in 2004 during fast-moving Frances. It was only out two days, but I found us to be terribly unprepared — having on hand little more than a few snacks. By the time Hurricane Jeanne visited just a few weeks later, we were much more prepared. It's a good thing. Our power was out a very long five days! And, in 2005, some South Floridians didn't have power for two or three weeks!
Tip:Buying enough non-perishable packaged or canned food to have on hand can be a financial burden if purchased all at once. So, I usually add a few things to my weekly grocery list beginning in May, then the financial impact is spread out.
Here are some of my favorite hurricane-ready foods that require no cooking:
- Cans or little individual serving cups of fruit — apple sauce, fruit cocktail, peaches, pears, pineapple, etc.
- Fruit juices that require no refrigeration — tomato, V-8, grape, apple, etc.
- Granola bars or any individually packaged snack bars.
- Nuts — cashews, peanuts, mixed. Whatever is your favorite.
- Dried fruits - bananas, apricots, raisins, etc.
- Cereal and/or cereal bars.
- Peanut butter and crackers.
- Canned meats. Tuna is our favorite and those pouches make it so convenient!
- Canned milk or milk in laminated paper cartons. Note that these have a shelf life of about six months.
- Cookies, chips and other favorite snacks.
If you have a gas camping stove or can generate your own power, here are some suggestions:
- Canned soups, stews, chili, spaghetti, ravioli, etc.
- Spaghetti and spaghetti sauce.
- Instant oatmeal packets — just add boiling water.
- Instant coffee and tea bags. Don't forget creamer and sugar packets.
Tips: Never ever use a gas camping stove or charcoal grill inside! And, don't forget to have a hand-crank can opener on hand.
In case of a power outage, plan to use food in the following order:
- Start with the foods in your refrigerator.
- Next, use the foods in your freezer.
- Then use your daily reserve of food from your pantry.
- Finally, use your emergency food supply.
Finally, you can never have enough ICE! If you have room in your freezer, keep a couple of bags of ice on hand. Smaller bags made with ice from your ice maker will fit in small spaces. Freeze plastic drinking bottles of water. These can not only be a water supply when they thaw, they will help keep items in your freezer cold longer.
