How to Stock Your Emergency Survival Shelter
Having a survival pantry stocked and ready to support your family in the case of a natural disaster or emergency can give you great peace of mind. If something occurs that prevents you from being able to leave your house or drive on the roads, having the supplies on hand needed to survive can make the difference between a scary situation that’s under control and a complete disaster.
Below is a list of the items most often recommended by survival experts to maintain a well-stocked emergency supply shelter:
1. Water
Humans can live much longer without food than water, making water the number one must-have item on any survival shelter supply list. Unfortunately, most people have enough food in their pantry to last many months, but are woefully under-stocked on water.
Do the math, figure out how much water each member of your family would need to get them through a month, and then stock enough to keep everyone healthy for at least 3 months. (Electrolyte drinks are also a smart option for hydration.) Depending on the type of natural disaster, it can be many months before water and utilities are restored to a disaster zone, and you want to be prepared.
2. Protein
Protein is necessary for strength and fresh sources can be hard to come by in emergency situations. This is where your stash of canned goods comes in. Soups with chicken, turkey and beef are great ready-to-eat sources of long-lasting protein, as well as canned spaghetti or ravioli, chili, and of course, cans of tuna, chicken and deviled ham.
Dried and dehydrated meats have long expiration dates, so don’t forget about beef jerky as a good source of protein. Canned beans are also high in protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for your survival cache.
Another good source of protein and fat can be found in nuts, so keep a variety in your shelter or pantry. Some survivalists recommend storing a large supply of chocolate bars with nuts or protein bars for quick energy and calories as well.
3. Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables have the most nutrients, but in times of trouble, they can be hard to come by, making dried or canned the next best choice. Applesauce, peaches, fruit salad, peas, green beans and any other fruits and vegetables you enjoy canned make great emergency pantry options because they generally have a long expiration date. And most importantly: Don’t forget to have multiple can openers in storage in case one breaks.
4. Basic Food Staples
Sugar, dried milk, flour, salt, canola oil, maple syrup, molasses, Crisco, corn meal, instant rice, oatmeal, powdered potatoes, dry cereals and ready-to-cook mixes (like corn bread, biscuit or pancake, for example) are all good to have around if you’re able to make cakes or other types of flat bread products post-emergency.
Tea bags are also a good way to get a quick caffeine fix while using less energy than a coffee maker, and honey is known for its long shelf like and antibacterial properties when used to heal wounds.
5. First Aid Supplies
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit, with gauze, topical antibiotics and any medications needed on a daily basis in your household. Towels are helpful in situations where bleeding needs to be stopped, and a belt can work as a tourniquet in a pinch.
Don’t forget pain relievers in case anyone is injured during a natural disaster, and go ahead and keep multivitamins in your first aid kit to help everyone stay strong to fight off infections.
6. Extras for Safety and Comfort
These are the little things that mean so much when you find yourself in a tight situation: blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a weather radio, a fire extinguisher, a battery-charged cell phone charger, work gloves and steel-toed boots, spare clothes and warm outer-wear like coats or rain slickers, candles, lighters and matches.
Remember to check the contents of your emergency supply shelter frequently to use foods that are expiring soon, and replace them immediately. Rotate everything you add, always bringing the oldest items to the front to be used first. Store all perishable goods up off the floor to keep them dry and safe. If you follow these rules and fill your shelter with everything you need, you can ensure the safety and survival of yourself and your family in a natural disaster or emergency.
Leigh Fletcher is a professional blogger that provides information on military specification packaging. She writes for Royco Packaging, Inc., a top barrier wrap manufacturer.
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Category: Family Finances
