| If you have ever heard your family say, "There's | | | | all containers are kept in a clean, cool, dry area. If |
| nothing to eat in this house!" you might appreciate | | | | they're in a basement that occasionally becomes |
| these tips on how to keep the pantry packed with | | | | flooded or damp, consider putting the food storage |
| provisions. | | | | on shelves that keep it up a little way off the |
| There are several foods that can be kept for an | | | | ground. |
| extended period of time while also allowing for quick | | | | Consider stocking up on products that can be |
| preparation when the time comes to use them. Be | | | | consumed cold; if you're faced with a power outage |
| sure to keep canned products, such as soups, fruit | | | | these could be a real life saver! Keep a flashlight, |
| and vegetables, on hand. If you think the cans might | | | | batteries, candles and matches and a cooler in your |
| be retained for a significant duration, consider using a | | | | storage area also. The cooler can be packed with |
| permanent marker and note the purchase date n top | | | | snow should you face a winter power shortage and |
| of each can (that way even if the labels are | | | | you'll be able to store perishable items until the |
| damaged, you'll still be able to read the date). | | | | electricity comes back on. Paper plates, plastic knives |
| Pasta always provides a satisfying meal, and jars or | | | | and forks or an extra set of old flatware could really |
| cans of tomato sauce can be stocked on your | | | | come in handy in the case of an emergency, too. |
| shelves. Store bags or boxes of rice. Creamed soups | | | | Make sure that everything is well organized; having a |
| (cream of chicken especially) makes a quick and | | | | place for everything and everything in its place (well |
| tasty sauce for rice or pasta. Potato flakes and | | | | labeled and easy to locate) will certainly make your |
| powdered milk are helpful items to have on hand. | | | | life much easier when and if you do face a dire |
| Store some flour, sugar, salt and spices and, of | | | | circumstance. |
| course, plenty of water. | | | | Safety should always be a prime consideration. Don't |
| Cereal and oats should also be part of your food | | | | consume items that you're not sure are still safe to |
| storage plan, along with some common condiments. | | | | eat. If creating a cooking heat source, be certain that |
| Noting the date on all boxes or containers of food, | | | | it's properly ventilated and that there is no danger of |
| as well as the cans, will be helpful and assist in | | | | catching anything nearby on fire. Naturally, you should |
| keeping you and your family safe. While it's good to | | | | never try to warm your home with a dangerous heat |
| have ample provisions on hand, you certainly don't | | | | source. Keep hats and blankets, sweaters and wool |
| want anyone to ingest anything that's outdated and | | | | socks nearby in case you need to add layers in |
| potentially harmful to their health. | | | | colder months. |
| Are you worried about insects or rodents infesting | | | | Keeping your home well stocked with easy-access, |
| the edible items? No matter how clean your home, | | | | long lasting foods and additional layers for warmth |
| basement storage or infrequently visited cellars can | | | | and comfort could actually save your life in the case |
| sometimes attract these unwanted pests. Putting | | | | of an emergency. Let's hope you'd never have cause |
| food resources in well-sealed, air-tight containers can | | | | to make use of such provisions, but it's far better to |
| help prevent bugs or critters from snacking until | | | | not need them and have them than it is to need |
| you're ready to get into the food yourself. Make sure | | | | them and not have them. |