Survive Any Crisis with Non-Perishable Emergency Survival Food: Essential Tips and Tricks

Non-Perishable Foods for Emergency Situations

Natural disasters and emergencies can strike without warning, leaving us vulnerable and unprepared. One of the most crucial things to have in these situations is a supply of non-perishable emergency survival food. These are foods that are designed to last for a long time without refrigeration and can provide the necessary nutrients to keep us going during a crisis. In this section, we will discuss the different types of non-perishable foods that you can store for emergencies and how to choose the right ones.

Types of Non-Perishable Foods to Store

Non-perishable foods come in different forms and types. Some are ready-to-eat, while others require minimal preparation. Here are some examples of non-perishable foods to store for emergency situations:

• Canned fruits and vegetables: These are great sources of vitamins and minerals and can last for up to 2-5 years.

• Canned meats and fish: These are high in protein and can be eaten straight from the can or used as ingredients in a recipe.

• Dried fruits and nuts: These are great sources of energy and can last for up to a year.

• Peanut butter: This is a great source of protein and healthy fats and can last for up to 2 years.

• Crackers and cereal bars: These are easy-to-eat snacks that can provide the necessary energy during a crisis.

• Powdered milk: This is a good source of calcium and can be used in cooking or as a drink.

• Rice and pasta: These are great sources of carbohydrates and can be stored for up to a year.

List of Healthy Non-Perishable Foods

It is important to choose non-perishable foods that provide the necessary nutrients for the body. Here is a list of healthy non-perishable foods that you can store for emergencies:

• Canned beans
• Canned chicken or turkey
• Canned salmon or tuna
• Canned soups and stews
• Cereal bars
• Dried fruit
• Granola
• Instant oatmeal
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Powdered milk
• Rice
• Whole grain crackers

How to Choose Non-Perishable Foods

When choosing non-perishable foods for emergencies, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ones:

• Check the expiration date: Make sure that the foods you buy have a long shelf life and are not close to expiration.

• Look for nutrient-dense foods: Choose foods that provide the necessary nutrients for the body, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

• Consider your dietary needs: If you have specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or vegetarian, choose foods that meet those needs.

• Buy in bulk: Consider buying non-perishable foods in bulk to save money and ensure that you have enough for emergencies.

By following these tips, you can choose the right non-perishable foods for emergencies and ensure that you have a supply that will last for a long time.

Tips for Building an Emergency Food Supply

Building an emergency food supply is an important part of emergency preparedness. In this section, we will discuss some tips for building an emergency food supply that will meet your short-term and long-term needs.

Building a Complete Home Emergency Kit

A complete home emergency kit should include non-perishable foods, water, first aid supplies, and other essentials that you may need during an emergency. According to Real Simple, some items to include in your home emergency kit are:

• Non-perishable foods: Choose foods that have a long shelf life and provide the necessary nutrients for the body. Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and fish, dried fruits and nuts, peanut butter, crackers and cereal bars, powdered milk, and rice and pasta are some examples of non-perishable foods to store.

• Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.

• First aid kit: Include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter medications.

• Flashlights and batteries: Choose high-quality flashlights and store extra batteries.

• Radio: Choose a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on emergency alerts.

• Blankets and warm clothing: Include blankets and warm clothing to stay warm during power outages.

Preparing Emergency Food Supplies for Short-Term and Long-Term Needs

Emergency food supplies should be prepared based on your short-term and long-term needs. According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, here are some tips for preparing emergency food supplies:

• Short-term needs: Prepare a supply of non-perishable foods that can last for at least three days.

• Long-term needs: Prepare a supply of non-perishable foods that can last for up to two weeks or longer.

Storing Non-Perishable Foods Safely

Storing non-perishable foods safely is important to ensure that they last for a long time and do not cause any health issues. According to Ready.gov, here are some tips for storing non-perishable foods:

• Store in a cool, dry place: Store non-perishable foods in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid heat and moisture: Heat and moisture can cause non-perishable foods to spoil quickly.

• Use airtight containers: Use airtight containers to store non-perishable foods to prevent exposure to air and moisture.

Checking Expiration Dates and Inspecting Canned Foods

Checking expiration dates and inspecting canned foods are important to ensure that they are safe to eat. According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, here are some tips for checking expiration dates and inspecting canned foods:

• Check expiration dates: Check the expiration dates of non-perishable foods and replace them before they expire.

• Inspect canned foods: Inspect canned foods for dents, bulges, or rust, which can indicate spoilage or contamination.

By following these tips, you can build an emergency food supply that will meet your short-term and long-term needs and ensure that the foods you store are safe to eat.

Cooking Without Power: Alternative Cooking Sources

During an emergency, you may not have access to electricity or gas to cook your food. In this section, we will discuss some alternative cooking sources that you can use to prepare your emergency food supply.

Camp Stove

A camp stove is a portable stove that uses propane or butane fuel to cook food. According to Real Simple, a camp stove is a good option for cooking during power outages or emergencies. It is easy to use and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Charcoal Grill

A charcoal grill is another alternative cooking source that you can use during emergencies. According to Taste of Home, a charcoal grill can be used to cook food when you do not have access to power. It is important to use the grill outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Propane Grill

A propane grill is another option for cooking during emergencies. According to Taste of Home, a propane grill is easy to use and can be used to cook a variety of foods. It is important to use the grill outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sterno Canned Heat

Sterno canned heat is a fuel source that can be used to heat food during emergencies. According to Skilled Survival, Sterno canned heat is a good option for heating up canned foods or warming up water for instant oatmeal or coffee.

Solar Oven

A solar oven is another alternative cooking source that you can use during emergencies. According to Real Simple, a solar oven uses the sun's energy to cook food. It is important to use the solar oven outside in direct sunlight.

Other Tips for Cooking Without Power

Here are some other tips for cooking without power during emergencies:

• Use a Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is a heavy pot that can be used on a camp stove, charcoal grill, or propane grill to cook food.

• Use a portable stove: A portable stove can be used with Sterno canned heat to cook food.

• Use a fireplace: A fireplace can be used to cook food when you do not have access to other cooking sources.

• Use a fire pit: A fire pit can be used to cook food when you do not have access to other cooking sources.

By following these tips, you can prepare your emergency food supply and have alternative cooking sources ready in case

Food Safety During Emergencies

During emergencies, it is important to ensure that the food you eat is safe and free from contamination. In this section, we will discuss some tips for ensuring food safety during emergencies.

Discarding Perishable Foods

According to Ready.gov, perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products should be discarded if they have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more. It is important to have a plan in place for discarding perishable foods during emergencies.

Choosing the Right Generator

If you plan on using a generator during emergencies, it is important to choose the right generator to ensure food safety. According to Real Simple, a generator should be rated for at least 5,000 watts to power a refrigerator and freezer.

Keeping Food Cold

Keeping food cold is important to ensure that it does not spoil or cause foodborne illness. According to Ready.gov, here are some tips for keeping food cold during emergencies:

• Use coolers: Use coolers with ice or frozen gel packs to keep perishable foods cold.

• Keep coolers in a cool, dry place: Keep coolers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Use a refrigerator or freezer: If you have access to a generator, use a refrigerator or freezer to keep perishable foods cold.

Using Dry Ice to Keep Food Cold

Dry ice can be used to keep food cold during emergencies. According to Ready.gov, here are some tips for using dry ice:

• Use gloves when handling dry ice: Dry ice can cause frostbite if it comes into contact with skin.

• Store dry ice in a well-ventilated area: Dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas, which can cause suffocation if it is not stored in a well-ventilated area.

• Use a cooler with a vent: Use a cooler with a vent to release carbon dioxide gas.

Cleaning Sealed Cans After a Flood

If your emergency food supply has been exposed to floodwater, it is important to clean sealed cans before using them. According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, here are some tips for cleaning sealed cans:

• Remove labels: Remove labels from sealed cans.

• Wash cans with soap and water: Wash cans with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.

• Disinfect cans: Disinfect cans with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the food you eat during emergencies is safe and free from contamination.

Checking and Replenishing Your Emergency Food Supply

It is important to regularly check and replenish your emergency food supply to ensure that you have enough food to last during emergencies. In this section, we will discuss some tips for checking and replenishing your emergency food supply.

Checking Expiration Dates

According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, it is important to regularly check the expiration dates of your emergency food supply. Here are some tips for checking expiration dates:

• Use and replace: Use and replace items before they expire.

• Rotate stock: Rotate stock so that items with the shortest expiration dates are used first.

Inspecting Canned Foods

Canned foods can be a good option for emergency food supplies, but it is important to inspect them regularly for damage. According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, here are some tips for inspecting canned foods:

• Check for dents: Check for dents, bulges, or leaks in canned foods.

• Discard damaged cans: Discard cans that are damaged or leaking.

Using Airtight Containers

Using airtight, moisture-proof containers can help to extend the shelf life of dry foods. According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, here are some tips for using airtight containers:

• Use food-grade containers: Use food-grade containers that are designed for long-term storage.

• Label containers: Label containers with the contents and the date they were stored.

Storing Opened Canned Food

Opened canned food can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life. According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, here are some tips for storing opened canned food:

• Use a nonmetallic container: Use a covered, nonmetallic container to store opened canned food in the refrigerator or freezer.

• Use within three days: Use opened canned food within three days if it is stored in the refrigerator.

• Use within six months: Use opened canned food within six months if it is stored in the freezer.

Proper Storage of Leftovers

Proper storage of leftovers is important to prevent foodborne illness. According to FCS Extension at the University of Georgia, here are some tips for storing leftovers:

• Cool leftovers quickly: Cool leftovers quickly to prevent the growth of bacteria.

• Store leftovers in airtight containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.

• Use leftovers within four days: Use leftovers within four days if they are stored in the refrigerator.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your emergency food supply is safe and ready to use during emergencies.

Be Prepared with Non-Perishable Emergency Survival Food

In times of crisis, having a supply of non-perishable emergency survival food can mean the difference between survival and going hungry. In this article, we have discussed the importance of having an emergency food supply, the types of non-perishable foods to keep in your pantry, and tips for cooking without power and ensuring food safety during emergencies.

We hope that this article has been informative and helpful in preparing you for emergencies. Remember to regularly check and replenish your emergency food supply, and to follow food safety guidelines when cooking and storing food.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other great content on survival and emergency preparedness. Stay safe and be prepared!

Answers To Common Questions

Q. What is non-perishable emergency survival food?

A. Non-perishable emergency survival food is food that can be stored for long periods of time without spoiling, and does not require refrigeration or freezing.

Q. Who needs non-perishable emergency survival food?

A. Everyone should have a supply of non-perishable emergency survival food, in case of natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies.

Q. How long does non-perishable emergency survival food last?

A. Non-perishable emergency survival food can last anywhere from 6 months to 30 years, depending on the type of food and how it is stored.

Q. What types of non-perishable foods should I keep for emergencies?

A. Some examples of non-perishable emergency survival foods include canned meats, peanut butter, dried fruits, and granola bars.

Q. How do I cook non-perishable emergency survival food without power?

A. Non-perishable emergency survival foods that require cooking can be heated on a camping stove or propane grill, or eaten cold.

Q. But isn't non-perishable emergency survival food expensive?

A. While some types of non-perishable emergency survival foods can be expensive, there are also affordable options such as beans, rice, and canned vegetables.