Food and water essentials
Disasters like flood, storm, hurricane, or earthquake can strike anytime, sometimes when we least expected it. During this time you may not have access to electricity, food, and water for days, depending on the severity of the damage. So, take some time now to plan and prepare yourself and your family with food and water supplies so that when the time finally comes, you will be prepared and ready to face the challenge. Keep updated on the situation by listening to the radio, watching the news, reading newspapers, and even online updates.
Discuss with your loved ones your emergency plan and contingencies so that when tragedy strikes you will all know what to do. Of course, prepare your survival kit, making sure it has everything you need to survive for a few days or so. A good emergency first aid kit should have basic components such as food and water. There are disasters that may leave you stranded in your house for a few days, and you would have to use stored food and pre bottled water in order to survive. Also, you may need to have lighting supplies such as rechargeable flashlights and candles and matches in case of power outages in your area. Communication supplies like a mini, battery operated radio will come in handy to keep you informed of the latest announcements or news regarding the emergency. You may need to have a spare battery for your mobile phone so you don’t have to worry in communicating with people that could possibly help you in your predicament.
As you stock your food supply, consider your family’s distinct tastes and individual food preferences. Non-perishable food items are essential as they provide an assurance and security during times of distress. You can store canned goods and other food items that don’t require refrigeration, cooking, or any special preparations. In case you have a toddler or elderly in your home, you may need to store up formula powder for the baby and nutritional food, soups, and juices that may be of help to the elderly for sustenance. Make sure to have paper goods, disposable utensils, and can opener available. You should periodically check on your stored food to see if any items have expired so you can replace those items.
Clean water is likewise very essential and should be a top priority in preparing for emergencies. People need to drink water each day to survive, especially for nursing mothers, ill people, and children. You need to save up at least 1 gallon for each individual for each day. Try to stock as much water as you can in food grade water containers or you can buy bottled water from supermarkets. When disaster comes, it is advised to drink the amount of water you basically need for the day. Also, reduce your activities and keep cool so that if necessary water intake can be reduced, allowing your water supply to last longer.
Although all these emergency essentials are not a guarantee that you will endure the harsh reality of disasters, the fact remains that they will significantly help during times of hardship.
