Survival Foods: Disaster Top 5 List
Is your pantry prepared for when a natural disaster strikes? Do you have the survival foods necessary to feed you and your family in case of an emergency? The following list contains what we consider the top 5 items that you should have available in your household at all times, just in case!
Water
The basis of any survival kit is the most basic but essential; water is an absolute must and you should have one gallon per person per day. Buy a variety that can be stored for longer than 7 days. Glass containers are a good choice, as some plastic types can be toxic if kept for too long. Make sure you have a BPA free collapsible water bottle as well as a water purifier.
Canned Goods
The backbone of your survival foods kit should consist of canned goods (or foods in jars). They are usually cheap and can last many years. Buy items that are versatile; in other words, they should fit with a range of dishes and can ideally be consumed on their own as well (either hot or cold). Many canned goods are stored in liquid, which works well in case of water shortages. Buy smaller varieties so that they can be used up in one meal, in case you are unable to refrigerate foods due to a power shortage.
Honey
Many that are just starting to look into survivalist methods can be surprised by this one, but it deserves its place on this survival foods list. Honey does not require refrigeration and lasts a lifetime (or longer). Additionally, it's a topical antibiotic so this means you can use it on wounds if necessary!
Freeze-dried foods
Usually freeze-dried foods will be expensive compared to the other items on this list, but nevertheless these are important survival foods. The main advantage compared to canned goods is that they are light and convenient. In case you are forced to leave your home (due to an earthquake, for instance), you will need to be able to be able to carry a good supply of food with you.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter makes an excellent survival food due to its nutritional value, price, taste and shelf life. You can usually keep a jar for as long as two years. Peanut butter can be consumed on its own, as part of a recipe, or just on a basic sandwich.
In general to the above, you should always think of foods that are easy to cook, last a long time and have the necessary nutrients your body needs. Try and stage an emergency situation and practice the cooking methods you are planning on using. This usually brings up issues you hadn't thought of, such as cooking times or the amount of water needed for a particular recipe. Try and stick to foods that you and your family like eating and are within your budget; it's perfectly possible to find cheap foods that are suitable for a survival foods kit.
Just make sure that you have a thought-out plan in place that has been thoroughly tested and you should be ready for most situations!
Water
The basis of any survival kit is the most basic but essential; water is an absolute must and you should have one gallon per person per day. Buy a variety that can be stored for longer than 7 days. Glass containers are a good choice, as some plastic types can be toxic if kept for too long. Make sure you have a BPA free collapsible water bottle as well as a water purifier.
Canned Goods
The backbone of your survival foods kit should consist of canned goods (or foods in jars). They are usually cheap and can last many years. Buy items that are versatile; in other words, they should fit with a range of dishes and can ideally be consumed on their own as well (either hot or cold). Many canned goods are stored in liquid, which works well in case of water shortages. Buy smaller varieties so that they can be used up in one meal, in case you are unable to refrigerate foods due to a power shortage.
Honey
Many that are just starting to look into survivalist methods can be surprised by this one, but it deserves its place on this survival foods list. Honey does not require refrigeration and lasts a lifetime (or longer). Additionally, it's a topical antibiotic so this means you can use it on wounds if necessary!
Freeze-dried foods
Usually freeze-dried foods will be expensive compared to the other items on this list, but nevertheless these are important survival foods. The main advantage compared to canned goods is that they are light and convenient. In case you are forced to leave your home (due to an earthquake, for instance), you will need to be able to be able to carry a good supply of food with you.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter makes an excellent survival food due to its nutritional value, price, taste and shelf life. You can usually keep a jar for as long as two years. Peanut butter can be consumed on its own, as part of a recipe, or just on a basic sandwich.
In general to the above, you should always think of foods that are easy to cook, last a long time and have the necessary nutrients your body needs. Try and stage an emergency situation and practice the cooking methods you are planning on using. This usually brings up issues you hadn't thought of, such as cooking times or the amount of water needed for a particular recipe. Try and stick to foods that you and your family like eating and are within your budget; it's perfectly possible to find cheap foods that are suitable for a survival foods kit.
Just make sure that you have a thought-out plan in place that has been thoroughly tested and you should be ready for most situations!