Store enough food for everyone in your family to last for at least seven (7) days. If the power goes out and you are at home, eat the food from the refrigerator first, then use foods from your freezer.

After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food in the refrigerator should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days. Post a list on the door so you don’t open it too many times. Last, use the food from your kit.

• Use immediately: food in the fridge
• Use within 6 months: boxed powdered milk, dried fruit, crackers, potatoes
• Use within a year: canned goods, ready to eat and instant cereals, peanut butter, jelly, hard candy, canned nuts, vitamins.
• Items which store indefinitely: wheat, dried corn, vegetable oils, baking powder, sugar, instant coffee, tea, cocoa, salt, non-carbonated soft drinks, white rice, bouillon products, dry pasta. These items must be stored in air tight containers and out of direct sunlight.

Food to store in a disaster:

• Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special “emergency” food.
• Consider any dietary restrictions you may have.
• Ideal foods do not require refrigeration or cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, dried fruit, canned juice, soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk)
• Store some staples: flour, sugar, salt, pepper
• Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months.
• High energy foods: peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix
• Vitamins
• Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have a manufacturer’s expiration date on the package.
• Include baby food, formula or other special diet items for infants and seniors.
• Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.
• Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Do NOT allow cans to freeze.
• Do NOT consume food from cans that show any signs of deterioration (rust or bulging).

If activity is reduced, people can survive on half of their usual food intake for many days. The exception is children and pregnant women. In a disaster, eat at least one balanced meal a day, drink enough to keep you functioning (1/2 gallon=2 quarts).

Disaster cooking may be done on top of a wood stove, or outdoors on a charcoal or propane camp stove or grill. You can keep food warm using candle warmers, chafing dishes or fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten out of a can. Remember to remove the label before heating. DO NOT use propane or charcoal camp stoves indoors due to carbon monoxide produced. Never use them inside a home or garage. Only use these devices out of doors.