Food Supplies
When organizing supplies for an emergency, remember that you may need to get to them after an emergency has turned your house into mess. Store supplies in an easy to find location that has a minimal chance of being buried under falling objects. If you are short on space, a large trash can, stored in a utility room or just inside the garage for easy access, makes an excellent storage container (if you live in an apartment, the container can be hidden under a decorative tablecloth). Emergencies can happen at any time. Are you prepared right now? Have you checked expiration dates or rotated your food and water supplies in the last six months? If not, make time on your calendar. Do it now!
Tips for Food:
You can use the canned goods, dry mixes, and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Be sure to check expiration dates and follow the practice of first-in, first-out. If purchasing food supplies, foods that require no refrigeration, water, special preparation, or cooking are best. Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers, and the elderly. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. In an emergency, when the power is out: FIRST... Use perishable food from the refrigerator. THEN... Use the foods from the freezer. Try to limit the number of times you open the freezer door, in a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least two days. Check to make sure the seal on your freezer door is still in good condition. FINALLY... Begin to use non-perishable foods and staples, then your emergency food supplies.
Download and print the Ready Burbank Emergency Supplies Guide & Checklist below (this document will help you put together your home emergency kit).