One of my Urban Survival Planning and Preparation considerations is how to handle my neighbors (and friends) who come to me after the collapse seeking help. Many of them would undoubtedly be burdens on me and my family due to their Survival unpreparedness. Most of them, even when facing the undeniable indicators of a pending collapse, won’t prepare either. This Yahoo News article may serve to help some of the those people, who will not be readers of this site, to have enough Survival food stocks to endure more than a couple days which would also serve to allow more time so better decisions can be made,...which hopefully would be to get out of Dodge and eliminate the chances of them being a burden on me, and I say that only partially in jest. I am going to re-produce this article, with my comments (in Italicized print) and place them on their house doors in hopes of giving them a moderate and comfortable education in the beginning of Emergency Preparation. Have you ever noticed how the connotation of Emergency Preparation and Survival Preparation are different?
The top foods you should keep in case of an emergency – An article from Yahoo News. By: Vanessa DiMaggio
Natural disasters--such as a flood, hurricane, or blizzard--often come without warning. Stocking non-perishable food items ahead of time (and choosing wisely what you include) will help you weather the storm with less stress.
Fueling your body during an emergency is very different from your everyday diet. Because you’ll probably expend more energy than you normally would, you should eat high-energy, high-protein foods. And because you have a limited supply, the higher-quality foods you eat--and the less of them--the better. "In a disaster or an emergency you want those calories," says Barry Swanson, a food scientist at Washington State University . "You want some nutrients and some fiber—something to keep your diet normal."
UrbanMan’s comments: High Protein foods are not necessary. Foods high in caloric value, and fats are generally a better choice for a survival situation.
But that doesn’t mean you have to eat like a pauper. "In an emergency, generally you tend to think of meeting more basic needs than preferences and flavors," says Elizabeth Andress, professor and food safety specialist at the University of Georgia . "But if you plan right, you can have a great variety of foods and nutrients." Here, Andress and Swanson weigh in on what items you should include.
What to Always Keep in Your Pantry
These items have lengthy expiration dates, so you can stash them away for long periods of time. Make a list of everything in your stockpile and check expiration dates every 6 to 12 months to keep things fresh. And don’t forget to have a can opener on hand at all times--all that food won’t be of any use if you can’t open it.
Peanut butter. A great source of energy, peanut butter is chock-full of healthful fats and protein. Unless the jar indicates otherwise, you don’t have to refrigerate after opening.
Whole-wheat crackers. Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute in sandwiches. Due to their higher fat content, whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts (check the box for expiration dates), but the extra fiber pays off when you’re particularly hungry. Consider vacuum-packing your crackers to prolong their freshness.
Nuts and trail mixes. Stock up on these high-energy foods—they’re convenient for snacking and healthful. Look for vacuum-packed containers, which prevent the nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness.
UrbanMan’s comments: Peanut Butter, crackers, and nuts are all great things to have plenty of on hand. Consider a mix of nuts, however peanuts are particular cost efficient. Almonds are a great source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids which will help maintain your health.
Cereal. Choose multigrain cereals that are individually packaged so they don’t become stale after opening.
Granola bars and power bars. Healthy and filling, these portable snacks usually stay fresh for at least six months. Plus, they’re an excellent source of carbohydrates. "You can get more energy from carbohydrates without [eating] tons of food," Andress says.
Dried fruits. Such as apricots and raisins In the absence of fresh fruit, these healthy snacks offer potassium and dietary fiber. "Dried fruits provide you with a significant amount of nutrients and calories," Swanson says.
UrbanMan’s comments: Would suggest buying some #10 cans of dehydrated fruit from EarthWaveLiving, click here. Fruit will be at a premium during a collapse. I am basing my daily Survival diet around rice and/or beans,..maybe some pasta instead, with a vegetable (fresh, canned or dehydrated) and one serving of dehydrated fruit each day.
Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey. Generally lasting at least two years in the pantry, canned meats provide essential protein. Vacuum-packed pouches have a shorter shelf life but will last at least six months, says Diane Van, manager of the USDA meat and poultry hotline.
Canned vegetables. Such as green beans, carrots, and peas when the real deal isn’t an option, canned varieties can provide you with essential nutrients.
Canned soups and chili. Soups and chili can be eaten straight out of the can and provide a variety of nutrients. Look for low-sodium options.
Bottled water. Try to stock at least a three-day supply--you need at least one gallon per person per day. A normally active person should drink at least a half gallon of water each day. The other half gallon is for adding to food and washing.
UrbanMan’s comments: Bottled water is always good to have on hand, better yet have lots of storage containers so you can fill up when the collapse indicators are getting due. Have a plan and the items needed to conduct a "water less life" – meaning conserving water for drinking and only drinking. You simply cannot live without water.. You can use water-less hand soap to clean; use a field expedient "porta-potty".
Sports drinks. Such as Gatorade or Powerade. The electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks will help you rehydrate and replenish fluid when water is scarce.
Powdered milk Almost all dairy products require refrigeration, so stock this substitute for an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D when fresh milk isn’t an option.
Sugar, salt, and pepper If you have access to a propane or charcoal stove, you may be doing some cooking. A basic supply of seasonings and sweeteners will improve the flavor of your food, both fresh and packaged.
UrbanMan’s comments: I would add rice and beans, about 10-20 lbs per person at a minimum. Beef and Chicken bullion cubes can be stored with the rice and beans to provide flavor. Powdered mash potatoes, boxes of macaroni and cheese, bags of 16 bean soup and mix are all good food stuffs to stock.
Multivitamins Supplements will help replace the nutrients you would have consumed on a normal diet.
UrbanMan’s comments: Vitamins from an off the shelf are virtually worthless. You are literally wasting your money. I would save your money for something else. If you are buying quality supplements, then consider stocking a 6 to 9 month supply; start taking them now to build your body’s immune system; rotating extra stocks out but keep track of expiration dates.
UrbanMan’s final comments: Vacuum packing dry food stuffs can preserve these foods for two years or more. An investment into a food saver would allow you to vacuum pack things like rice, spices, crackers, granola bars, dried fruits, etc., for a longer shelf life. However, I’m afraid you may be forced to use these stocked supplies before the expiration date. If you are not in the full Survival prep mode, then at least put some vegetable seed packets (non-hybrid type) into a #10 can and put into your pantry. You may be very glad you did this at some point.
UrbanMan’s final comments: Vacuum packing dry food stuffs can preserve these foods for two years or more. An investment into a food saver would allow you to vacuum pack things like rice, spices, crackers, granola bars, dried fruits, etc., for a longer shelf life. However, I’m afraid you may be forced to use these stocked supplies before the expiration date. If you are not in the full Survival prep mode, then at least put some vegetable seed packets (non-hybrid type) into a #10 can and put into your pantry. You may be very glad you did this at some point.
