• Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special emergency food. Consider any dietary restrictions and preferences you may have.

• Ideal foods are: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required), low in salt, and do not require cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk).

• Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have an expiration date on the package.

• Include baby food and formula or other diet items for infants or seniors.

• Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.

• Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months.

• After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.

Back To Index