Stockpile These Foods in Case of Emergency
An emergency can happen with very little warning, especially in cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK. Because you won't typically have a few hours to prepare before a tornado, it's imperative that you square away all the proper supplies beforehand. At Ground Zero Shelters, we recommend stockpiling non-perishable foods to ensure you don't go hungry while waiting for the storm to pass. Fueling your body in emergency situations calls for a different set of foods than your everyday diet. For one, you'll need to choose foods that won't go bad after a few days or weeks. Here's our advice on which foods to stockpile for an emergency.
Pack on Protein
During a high-stress emergency, you're likely to expend more energy than normal. As such, it's crucial to stockpile foods high in protein. These foods will keep you fuller for longer and give you the most energy. These items make excellent additions to any disaster preparedness kit:
- Peanut butter
- Canned tuna
- Canned meats
- Beef jerky
- Beans
Canned Goods Are Your Best Friend
As you make your tornado preparedness plan, make sure to add lots of canned foods to your storm shelter. These goods tend to last months, if not years, without going bad. However, be sure to continuously check expiration dates and get rid of anything that's too far gone. You can get canned versions of nearly anything, including:
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soup
Go Beyond Just Water
Your emergency food stockpile wouldn't be complete without plenty of fluids. Keeping a hefty store of water may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to have enough to hydrate the whole family for a few days. Beyond water, you might also consider drinks high in electrolytes. These beverages will help replenish your fluids when you feel yourself getting dehydrated. Load up on these drinks, in addition to lots of bottled water:
- Sports drinks
- Powdered milk
Feel Fuller With Carb-Heavy Foods
Carbs are your body's preferred energy source, and it's vital to fill up on these nutrients in high-stress situations. Carbs help the body feel fuller for longer—no growling stomachs while holed up in the storm shelter! What's more, many carb-heavy foods seldom go bad. Grab these items for your stockpile:
- Cereal
- Granola bars
- Pasta and spaghetti sauce
- Nuts and trail mix
- Rice
- Crackers
What Are Your Favorite Seasonings?
When stockpiling, the priority is usually big-ticket items like cereal, peanut butter, and canned goods. However, trust us, you'll want seasonings somewhere in your stockpile. You likely won't be stuck in a storm shelter for more than a few hours, and you'll want a way to flavor your food while you wait for the roads to clear and the supermarkets to open back up. We recommend keeping these on hand:
- Salt and pepper
- Bullion
- Honey
- Sugar
- Cooking oil/shortening
Don't Forget Your Sweet Tooth
While not a top priority for your stockpile, it's always a good idea to have some sweet treats stowed away. These are great for giving yourself a little joy at the end of a tough day. Candy also makes an excellent reward for kids who may be tired of staying cooped up at home. Grab a few bags of the following for your emergency food stockpile:
- Hard candy
- Dried fruits
Consider These Additional Goods
It's helpful to think outside the box as you build up your emergency stockpile. You might choose to keep some non-traditional edible items in your selection. Here's what we recommend at Ground Zero Shelters:
- MREs: MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, are exactly what they sound like. These meals are used by military units in combat to get all their daily nutrients. Although they can be pricey, MREs are an excellent way to save space in your stockpile while still getting enough calories for the day.
- Multivitamins: Have you taken your vitamins today? Having a stock of multivitamins is a good idea, especially since you may not be getting all the right vitamins and minerals during an emergency.
Start Your Stockpile in a Storm Shelter
There's never a wrong time to get a stockpile going. While it may not do you much good in the present, you'll be thankful you did the work when an emergency occurs. A storm shelter is one of the best places to keep your non-perishables, ensuring you and your family have access to food when the worst happens. Contact Ground Zero Shelters today to learn more about installing a storm shelter at your Oklahoma City home.
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