What Are The Best Foods To Have During A Hurricane?
During the hurricane season, your emergency plan should include a list of items that you should stock up in your home. This hurricane preparedness list should consist of a first aid kit, water, non-perishable foods, and other essential supplies you may need in case you need to evacuate or stay home during a storm. Check out this list of what are the best foods to have during a hurricane to prepare yourself and your family.
Fueling your body in an emergency is far from your everyday diet. Because you'll probably need more energy than you usually would, in your emergency plan, you should include high-energy, high-protein foods. It is critical to eat nutritious foods to help you maintain good health. And because you'll have a restricted supply in your emergency kit, you'll need to consume less, but higher-quality foods.
Pantry Essentials
These non-perishable food items have longer expiration dates, so you can keep them for long periods even if it’s not hurricane or tornado season. Make a hurricane food supply list and check expiration dates every 6 to 12 months to keep everything fresh. Also, don’t forget to have a can opener handy at all times.
- Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a good source of energy. It is packed with healthful fats and protein that you need, especially during disasters. The natural, low-sodium, and gluten-free peanut butter is ideal for groups with different needs, so it's an excellent choice for a bigger family. - Whole-wheat crackers
Crackers can replace bread and make an excellent substitute when making sandwiches. Due to their high-fat content, whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts. However, the extra fiber pays off when you’re especially hungry. Try vacuum-packing your crackers to lengthen their freshness. - Mixed nuts
These high-energy foods are beneficial to stock up—they’re healthy and convenient for snacking during a hurricane, tornado, or other emergencies. Use for vacuum-packed containers, to prevent the nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness. - Cereal
Multigrain cereals that are individually packaged are more convenient to store. Since they don’t easily become stale after opening. - Granola and power bars
Healthy and filling, these easy-to-store snacks usually stay fresh for up to six months. Plus, they’re a good source of carbohydrates. - Dried fruits
Without fresh fruits available, these healthy snacks can be an alternative source of potassium and dietary fiber. They also provide a significant amount of nutrients and calories. - Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey
Canned meats at least up to two years in the pantry and can provide essential protein. Avoid vacuum-packed pouches since they have a shorter shelf life. However, vacuum-sealed packs may be usable if you don’t have a can opener. - Canned vegetables, such as peas, green beans, and carrots
When fresh options aren't available, canned varieties can provide you with your daily dose of nutrients, making these an excellent hurricane food or natural disaster option. - Canned soups and chili
Soups and chili are readily available and can be eaten straight from the can. They provide a variety of nutrients too. However, I always look for low-sodium alternatives. - Dry pasta and pasta sauces
This carb-heavy, gluten-full food, is a great pantry essential. Dry pasta and canned sauce can last longer. If a family member has dietary restrictions, look for other options like gluten-free pasta or pasta made from chickpeas. - Bottled water
Try to stock water for at least a three-day supply—an average consumption is at least one gallon per person per day. Any excess will be added to cook food, and for washing. - Condiments
If you have a working propane or charcoal stove, you may be doing some cooking. A basic supply of condiments and sugar will improve the flavor and quality of your food, both for fresh and packaged options.
Buying Additional Pantry Supplies
If you’ve been warned by local officials and given a warning about a storm coming, there’s still ample time to get additional supplies for more hurricane food: fresh produce like fruits and vegetables and other items that have shorter shelf lives. Most of these foods will only last for at least a week. However, they can give fresh alternatives to all that packaged food. Make sure to check if your local farmers’ market is open; since the produce, there is mostly fresher than what you’ll find at the supermarket.
There are many options you can buy. Apples last up to three months when stored properly, and they are a great source of vitamins. Citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, can last for up to two weeks without refrigeration. They contain lots of vitamin C and will help to keep you hydrated. Tomatoes are also a good option to add to your pantry. Unripe tomatoes can last several days at room temperature. Hard, packaged sausages, such as soppressata and pepperoni, can last up to six weeks when unopened. So they can be a good alternative for canned food.
Wrap Up
Hurricanes can be devastating. Although we really can’t predict the outcome of a hurricane disaster, what we can do is to prepare our family for the worst. What are the best foods to have during a hurricane? Having a checklist of everything you’ll need can be helpful, especially when forced to stay at home. Aside from your emergency kits, you also have to prepare a list of food to get for the hurricane. In this way, your family will have enough food to consume until the storm ceases.