Imagine this scenario: You have just arrived home from work. You sit down to watch the news and see that a massive storm with torrential rains is heading your way. The authorities advise everyone to stay indoors and off the roads for the next 72 hours because of high winds and the risk of flooding.
Situations like these occur more frequently than most people realize. While no one likes pondering worst-case scenarios, advance preparation can save your life—and significantly ease your stress during emergencies. The number of people and pets in your household who need food and water.
Dietary restrictions (allergies, diabetics), preferences, and whether certain foods require cooking or water. The shelf life of the food you choose, ensuring you rotate supplies every few months for freshness. Your ability to cook without power, such as having a camp stove or gas barbeque.
Make sure you have the necessary utensils and storage options, such as cool, dry areas for keeping food and water. Disposable plates and cutlery don’t require water for washing. Because you may not have electricity, plan meals in single portions as you may be unable to refrigerate leftovers.
Make sure you have lighters, matches, candles, flashlights, batteries, knives, zip lock bags, bleach (to disinfect and purify water), and other essentials that you keep in sealed plastic bags. They also suggest including a way to treat dirty water, like a portable water filter or countertop filter. One way to keep the wate.