Stocking Your Pantry for Emergency Preparedness
Here are some meal ideas and things to consider picking up on your next grocery trip to ensure your family is safe and prepared if there were ever a power outage.
- Cereal and Shelf-Stable Milk: I used to keep a couple of hidden boxes of cereal in the cabinet above my fridge and we always keep a case of shelf-stable almond milk on hand which can be used in an emergency.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches: Gluten Free sandwich bread comes in packaging that makes it shelf-stable for months. Even if you aren’t gluten free, you can keep it in your pantry just in case for this purpose.
- Charcuterie Boards: Summer sausage is shelf stable and this is also a great way to use up cheese in the fridge that might go bad. Add dried fruit or nuts for extra protein.
- Protein Powder + Shelf-Stable Milk
- Granola or Protein bars
- Case of water
Freezer Items in a Power Outage
You want to limit the number of times that you are opening the fridge and freezer, ideally not opening the freezer at all while the power is out. Items will only last in the fridge for 4 hours but if you have things you know you need, consider putting them in a cooler with ice (or snow if it’s a snowstorm). Items in a freezer will last for up to 48 hours if your freezer is full, so keep it shut to prevent food from spoiling. Here is a helpful resource if you want to know what food you need to discard after a power outage.
Below is a video of a little coin trick I use to know if the freezer has stayed frozen.
Cooking Options
If you are hoping to cook without power your two best options are if you have a gas store or an outdoor BBQ! Blackstone grills are also really popular right now and come in very handy in a power outage.
You also could use a camp stove, but read the directions and make sure that you are using it outside only! Here is an example of one that could be used in emergencies. Make sure that you keep fuel on hand for your camping stove if you do not use it regularly and that you follow all safety procedures. This is an option that is rated for indoor use with proper ventilation.
Other Household Items for Emergency Preparedness
Besides being prepared with food, there are several other items that are important to have on hand and you might not realize it until you need them.
- Emergency First Aid Kit
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Colloidal Silver
- Butane countertop range so you can cook food
- Portable propane heater to keep you warm
- Hand crank radio with a solar power phone charge
- Large portable water tank
- Water bottle with filter to keep you hydrated with safe drinking water
- Plenty of warm clothes to dress in layers to stay warm and don’t forget a hat!
- Hot Hands Variety Pack to keep your hands and body warm
- Tent that will fit in our living room
- Sleeping bags and extra warm blankets
- Battery powered lights
- Flashlights and back up batteries
- Glow sticks are fun for the kids and gives them comfort in the dark
Keep it Fun!
Sometimes children get scared in the dark and it can be stressful for the adults not knowing when power will be back. Having games, puzzles, and activities on hand can allow you to make it a fun and special time for your family. You could also build a fort and cuddle inside with books to keep warm.
I hope that these winter emergency preparedness tips help you get more prepared for winter weather and keep your family safe no matter the weather this winter.
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