• Can Food

  1. Protein - Canned meat (such as chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon) beans (beans, baked beans, chick peas etc.)

  2. Vegetables - Canned vegetables and vegetable juices

  3. Fruits - Canned fruits and fruit juices, apple sauce, fruit cups 

  4. Quick Meals: Soup, Spaghetti, Chili, B&M Bread

• Milk

  1. Canned, boxed or dried milk 

  2. Coconut milk

• Grains/Dry Products 

  1. Cereal (cold and hot - cream of wheat)

  2. Granola 

  3. Oatmeal

  4. Grits 

  5. Rice (dry rice has a short shelf life of 6 months; white rice has a longer shelf life for long term storage)

  6. Pasta

  7. Dry Beans, Lentils, Legumes 

  8. Pancake Mix (Add Water)

  9. Flour

  10. Cornmeal

  11. Cornstarch

  12. Dry Soup Mix

  13. Baking Soda

  14. Baking Powder

• Condiments & Seasoning: 

  1. Salt / Pepper

  2. Herbs 

  3. Seasoning Packets 

  4. Pasta Sauce 

  5. Pickles 

  6. Pesto

  7. Pimentos 

  8. Salsa

  9. Garlic (in the jar)

• Oil & Sweeteners

  1. Cooking Oil, Olive Oil, Grape Seed, Avocado Oil, etc

  2. Raw Honey (forever food)

  3. Sugar 

  4. Syrup

  5. Vinegar (white and apple cider)

  6. Extracts (Vanilla, Almond, Lemon etc)

  7. Lemon & Lime Juice

• Dried Fruits & Nuts (Raisins, Dried Cranberries, Trail Mix, etc) 

• Quick Meal/Instant Food Options Ideas

  1. Instant Rice, Pasta, Potatoes

  2. Peanut Butter

  3. Jam & Jelly 

  4. Ramen

  5. Muffin Mix 

  6. Instant Grits, Oatmeal

• Beverages 

  1. Coffee (and dry creamer)

  2. Tea (including herbal and medicinal) 

  3. Drink Mixes 

  4. Liquid IV

  5. Gatorade 

• Water

  1. Bottled Water

  2. Water Purification Tablets 

  3. Water for cleaning and bathing (store tap water)

  4. Water Bob

  5. Water catchment systems

  6. Note (1) Be Prepared to Boil Water if its been off for a few hours/days 

  7. Note (2) If the water is shut off - water lines connected to the refrigerator will not work. 

• Snacks & Treats

• Baby Formula, Food &  Treats

• Pet Food, Treats

Alternatives & Additional Options

Gardening / Food Preservation 

Many of us prefer fresh and whole foods to canned goods. As an alternative or in addition to buying shelf stable food, it may be a good idea to start a small garden and preserve your own food. You could also join a local community garden, or shop at your local farmers market and preserve food currently in season. This option allows you to control key ingredients such as sugar and salt based on your dietary restrictions and preferences. If you're unable to commit to full garden, perhaps start with a few of your favorite herbs and/or lettuce in small containers or a hydroponics counter option. Starters are typically available at stores like Home Depot and Lowes and can be grown in doors in a sunny window seal. 

Long Term Food Storage (5 to 25 Year Shelf Life)

These are food that are dehydrated or freeze-dried in a bucket or mylar bags. These food typically require water to rehydrate and are ready to eat. Common Brands include: 

• Augason Farms

• Peak Refuel

• Mountain House 

• Ready Wise

• NutriStore 

Hygiene 

• Hand towels and washcloths

• Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss

• Soap, Body Wash

• Shampoo, Conditioner, Detangler 

• Disposable Razors

• Feminine Products: Sanitary napkins, Tampons, etc

• Lotion

• Peroxide

• Alcohol

• Hand Sanitizer 

• Toilet Tissue

• Paper Towels

• Nail Kit

• Eye Glass Repair Kit

• Spare eye glasses and contacts

• Contact Solution

• Grooming Kit 

Home & Personal Safety 

• Surveillance System

• Exterior Lighting (consider sensor and solar options)

• "2nd Amendment" & Conceal Carry Permit

• Pocket Knife 

• Bat, Baton 

• Mace, Pepper Spray

• Trained in Self Defense

• Taser & Stun Guns 

• Bullet Proof Gear 

• First Aid Kit - Keep a fully stocked kit 

• Cleaning Products & Disinfectants (including bleach)

• Not flushing the toilet if water lines are damaged

• Using portable camp toilets, small trash cans, or sturdy buckets lined with heavy-duty plastic bags

• Collecting and assembling a disaster supplies kit

• Learning where to seek shelter from all types of hazards

• Identifying the community warning systems and evacuation routes

• Including required information from community and school plans in your plan

• Physical Maps in case gps systems go down

• Emergency Car Kit (include tennis shoes, warm change of clothes)

Final Thoughts 

In the event of an emergency, you will need to have food and water on hand in some form to ensure you and family have essentials.