The recent, unusual severe storms in Kentucky reminded me to think about our emergency food supplies. The forecast of warmer temperatures and more moisture for coming months could mean heavy, wet, power-line dragging snow falls. (I plan to be a meteorologist in my next life).

Three to four days of food on hand covers most Iowa emergencies. I plan to rely on foods I use as part of regular meals and replace them as I use them. I try to buy another package before the current one runs out.

Water/Beverages:
Plan for a gallon of drinking water per person per day. For our three-person household, I saved 9 gallon milk jugs, cleaned well and filled from the tap. You don’t need bottled water. Remember, city water systems can get disrupted, too. Recall the Cedar Rapids 2008 flood when wells along the river were challenged.

Is heat critical?
Any non-refrigerated food you buy is safe to eat at room temperature. Think soup, pre-cooked rice and pasta packets, canned fruits and vegetables and, of course, breads and cereals. Know where to find a non-electric can opener.

If you feel the need for hot food, the use-it-at-Christmas chafing dish can heat many foods if you don’t have a gas grill or camp stove. Remember to keep several full cans of sterno (and a working lighter) on hand.

Is the MyPlate healthy plate relevant?
For the short term, energy is more important than protein. High carbohydrate, high fat foods keep us going. Muscles don’t suddenly disappear if you’re eating little protein over a few days.

When the power goes off, some foods we normally keep refrigerated remain safe to eat at room temperature, even over three to four days. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, unopened yogurt cups, natural and processed cheese, margarine and butter, salad dressings, most condiments like pickles, mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, jelly and jam.

Many day-to-day foods can become emergency foods: bread, rolls, crackers, tortillas, taco shells, ready-to-eat cereals (eat dry or with evaporated milk). During stressful times, a few comfort foods are in order. Granola or fruit bars, trail mix and even some cookies might make us feel a little better when life becomes uncertain.

I challenge you to commit a half hour to go through your cupboards imagining the power went out and is going to stay out for 3 days. What would you have to eat and drink? Running a little short? Make a shopping list and get things on hand.

Praying for a safe, non-emergency winter.
Judy