Weathering a Storm Part 4: Food and Provisions

Putting Together a Storm Emergency Kit Part 4:
Food, Water, Beverages, 

Provisions, and Miscellaneous Supplies

Feeding Yourself During a Storm Event:
Winners and Losers

This is our final post in a series on preparing for a Storm Emergency and lessons learned from Hurricane Irma.  Part 1 focused on emergency lighting, Part 2 discussed communications, and Part 3 looked at Electronics, Power Accessories, and Entertainment, and talked about how to alleviate boredom during an extended power outage.  Today, we're going to step away from technology for a little bit and look at food, provisions, and miscellaneous items you need to keep in an Emergency Kit.

Food Considerations

When a storm hits, you may need to shelter in place, or you may need to evacuate.  Whether you evacuate to a public shelter or to a motel, you will need to bring your own food. In addition, you cannot count on ANYTHING being open during the storm or its immediate aftermath.  Restaurants, grocers, and convenience stores will close in advance of a Storm Event, and many will not reopen for days.  Thus, your Emergency Kit needs to include at least a week's worth of supplies per person.  And of course all of these supplies need to be shelf-stable, lasting a long time without refrigeration.

If you shelter in place, you may be able to use camp stoves and the like to heat up food. However, if you need to evacuate, you will not be able to use any type of grills or camp stoves. You will not be able to use any type of personal generator either. Thus, ideally your emergency food should consist of items that can be eaten without heating.

Storm Emergencies are very stressful. And for most people, stressful times call for comfort food.  Many people pack their emergency kits full of the foods they SHOULD be eating, rather than the foods they ENJOY eating. This is a big mistake.  Be sure to pack your Emergency Kit with foods you actually enjoy.  Do not overlook snacks.  And also include some of your own, personal, "stress-eating favorites." For many, that means including some form of chocolate in your Emergency Kit.  For others, it may mean nuts or chips.  Whatever your own non-perishable "vice food" is, be sure to include plenty of that in your kit as well.

You WILL need to eat well during an emergency situation. Therefore, try to include protein-packed foods and things that will give you energy. Avoid high sodium foods and foods that tend to dehydrate you.  If your system is at all sensitive, try to avoid foods that will cause flare-ups. Yes, you want some comfort foods, but this is NOT the time to go on a junk food only type binge.  Also make sure you have some high fiber foods in your kit.

Commercially canned foods are better than home canned foods and/or bottled foods.  Canned foods are much less prone to contamination by flood waters than food in bottles or jars.  Food in "pouches" is another good alternative, as it has a long shelf life and is less prone to contamination by floods.

Timing and Shelf Life

You need to stock your Emergency Kit at the BEGINNING of the Storm Season.  For those of us in Hurricane Country, this means the beginning of June.   For folks in areas prone to Snow Emergencies, this means the beginning of October.  Do NOT wait until the last minute to buy supplies for your kits, as you are sure to face shortages and empty shelves.  It may take several weeks for supply stocks to return to normal.

For most of us, Storm Season tends to last about 5 months. Therefore, you want to buy foods with a six-month minimum shelf life.  Should you make it through the season without a storm, those supplies should be rotated back into your pantry at the end of the season.  Otherwise, you face having to throw out a LOT of unused food when you restock your kit the following year.  If you've stocked your kits with food you like, rotating it back into your pantry should be a fairly easy thing to do.

I like to replace the rotated food with enough "new food" for at least two days, just in case there is an out-of-season emergency.  Usually, this consists of some basic canned goods.  Most canned goods can last several years in storage. I rotate this food back into the pantry when I restock my kit the following year.  This way, I am always prepared. Not all Storm Emergencies happen during the designated season.

Supplementing Your Kit

Of course, storms to not happen in a vacuum. They happen while we are living our daily lives.  Thus, you will always have some food on hand when an emergency is forecast.  Usually, this means you have some fresh fruit and vegetables on hand, as well as things like bread.  Fruits and vegetables will last a day or two without refrigeration, and so can be "grabbed" at the last minute to supplement an emergency kit.

You will probably supplement your Emergency Food with at least one cooler, most likely containing the perishable food you had in your fridge. Remember that ice will most likely be the last ice you'll see for several days. If possible, pack a smaller cooler with the food you are going to eat first, and a avoid opening the larger cooler until you really need what is in there.

When a storm is first forecast, you should concentrate on using up the food you may lose if the power goes out. That means it's time to defrost and cook those steaks you've been saving for a special occasion, and to use up those containers of luncheon meet you bought on sale last week.  If you have both apples and berries in the fridge, eat the berries and plan on taking the apples with you. Likewise, hard cheeses can last a day without refrigeration, but soft cheeses and sliced cheeses are more perishable.  Eat the more perishable cheese, and plan on taking the hard cheese with you, and eating it on your first powerless days.

Eating Through your Emergency Food

Once you have settled in, either to where you have evacuated, or where you are sheltering in place, plan to eat your most perishable foods first. Those foods you grabbed from the fridge as you were preparing to leave should be eaten BEFORE the shelf-stable foods with which you've packed your Emergency Kit. Anything you've stashed in coolers should be eaten next, as once your ice has melted, you probably will not be able to get more.

Beverage Considerations

Your Emergency Kit needs to contain beverages as well. And again, you need to include beverages you actually like to consume, and ones you can drink at room temperature.  Avoid drinks that are high in sugar.

Everyone likes to stockpile bottled water for an emergency.  ALL guidelines suggest a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day.  Also, since water supplies are often effected, you need to plan for a minimum of 7 days without tap water, and ideally, even more.   You will need water for drinking, as well as for personal hygiene and cooking.  However, if you normally drink things other than water, you probably will continue to do so during a Storm Event.  I am a Diet Soda fanatic, and I drink as much (or more) during an emergency than I do on a day-to-day basis, and perhaps even more.  Despite the fact I know I'll be drinking it warm, I need my soda during an evacuation. I also prefer sparkling water, like Perrier, and so I ensure I include some in my Emergency Kit.

Where I live, it's said that folks hit the liquor stores before they hit the grocery, and so your libation of choice should be a part of your Emergency Kit as well.  Personally, I like to stay sober during an evacuation, so I am ready and able to deal with an emergency. But I always include some alcohol in my emergency kit, along with some sort of mixer. I do caution against overloading your kits with alcohol though.  Make sure hydrating beverages take precedence over alcohol if space is limited.

The BEST beverages for your kits are ones that do not require can openers, bottle openers, or corkscrews.  With the exception of water, single-serve packaging is often better than large cans or bottles of something.  A beverage that can be consumed from its own container is preferable to one that needs its own cup or glass.   Cans and pouches have a longer shelf life than plastic bottles and are lighter weight than glass, making them preferable for an emergency kit.  

Water: Winners and Losers

Plastic, Single-Serve Water Bottles: Fail

Before Irma was even close enough to be a threat, ALL of Florida experienced a serious bottled water shortage. Folks were stockpiling cases of single-serve water. It got so bad, Facebook Groups formed just to communicate which stores still had any water on the shelves. Folks filled up their whole trunks with cases of water. Then, when it came time to evacuate, they found they needed to pack their cars with other supplies, leaving all that water behind.  After the storm, when water was restored more quickly than power, water lines again began to form. Only this time, they were full of people trying to return all the single-serve water bottles to the stores.

Plastic water bottles have an EXTREMELY short shelf life.  The bottles start decomposing, leeching chemicals into the water itself.  That is why commercially bottled water has an expiration date. And single serve water bottles are no more environmentally friendly during an emergency.  

Instead of stocking up on bottled water, I raided my own recycling bin. I washed out gallon jugs, jars, and reusable water bottles, and I filled a box with containers of tap water. This saved me a lot of money, as well as the hassle of trying to find a store with water.  If you normally filter your water, you can use home-filtered water to fill half your bottles. (The other half can be designated as "hygiene water.")

On the day the voluntary evacuation was called, no place had bottled water. Folks were buying generic soda, pouring it down the drain, and filling the 2 liter bottles with water. A much better solution is saving the  2 liter bottles you already have, and then filling them with water from your home. If you are proactive, you can save a few bottles the month before storm season begins, fill them with water, and stash them with your emergency supplies. About halfway through the season, you can take the bottles out, use the contents for cooking or plants, and refill them so they are not full of chemicals when you need to use them,  

Bottled Water, Gallon or Larger Pack: Win

Large containers of water are a MUCH better solution for an Emergency Kit than single-sized bottles, both for drinking and for other purposes.  They store better, cost less, and are more environmentally friendly than single-serve bottles.  They are also more convenient than single serve bottles if you need water to fill a sink or to flush a toilet. Furthermore, it is MUCH easier to fit a couple of large bottles of water in the trunk, amongst other items, than it is to fit in cases of single serve bottles. One gallon jug is equivalent to a dozen 12 ounce bottles, and it fits in an Emergency Bin much more efficiently.

Home-Packaged Water: Win

As mentioned previously, it is much more cost effective to pack your own emergency water than to try to buy it.  Most households go through dozens of large-sized containers per year. Many households go through at least a gallon of milk per week.  Saving some of these jugs and filling them with tap or filtered water is a much less expensive and more Eco-friendly option than purchasing large quantities of water.  It is also very easy to do with proper planning.

Pouch Water: Win

Most people are familiar with "juice boxes" and other drinks in pouches for kids. But did you know Emergency Water is also available in pouches?  And unlike water in plastic bottles, pouch water has a shelf life of over 5 years.  It is a lot more difficult to find than bottled water though, and chances are you will not find it at the corner store.  You can find it online fairly easily. Amazon sells it, of course.  A 12 pack will cost you a little over $7, and you can get a case of 64 pouches for about $30.  Camping and outdoor stores are another good source.

If you are a "buy it and forget it" type of person, I recommend you get some pouch water for your Emergency Kit.  You will only need to replace it every 5 years or so, and you can cycle it out at 4 1/2 years, if you have not used it for an emergency during that time.  Pouch water can withstand flood waters, as well as boiling and freezing conditions, so it is the BEST commercially available water option for an emergency kit.

Canned and Flavored Water: Win

When the water shortage hit ahead of Hurricane Irma, I was not worried. My monthly Subscribe and Save order had just arrived, and it contained three 10-packs of Perrier. As I mentioned earlier, I'm not particularly a water drinker, however, I do enjoy sparkling, flavored water.  I personally do not like sugar in my water, (I might as well just have a soda if I drink water that is full of sugar,) but flavored Perrier has no sugar or artificial flavors. It only contains mineral water and natural flavoring.

Likewise, other canned, flavored waters, like SanPellegrino or La Croix, are good choices for an Emergency Kit.  They are hydrating, taste good at room temperature, and can be used as mixers.  They have a longer shelf life than bottled water, and will not be contaminated by flood waters.  They have pop-tops and can be consumed straight from the can, meaning you do not need a can opener or a glass to enjoy them.  They are also a better choice for folks who need to stay hydrated but do not enjoy drinking plain water.  

Other Beverages: Winners and Losers

Bottled Juices: Fail

Most bottled juice needs refrigeration, especially after it is opened.  Most juices that do not need refrigeration before opening are full of sugar, preservatives, and other dehydrating ingredients.  They also have a comparatively short shelf life.  Juice packed in plastic bottles suffers from the same chemical leeching issues as bottled water. Few juices are packed in glass bottles anymore, and those that are are unsafe to drink if they come in contact with flood waters.   If you must choose bottled juices for your kit, choose those that do not need refrigeration before opening. Ideally, choose single sized containers, so they can be consumed in a single sitting.  And be sure to cycle these juices about halfway through the storm season, so they will be good to drink when the emergency itself hits.

Canned Juices: Win with Caveats

Again, this is a situation in which canned is better than bottled. Canned juices are safe to consume, even if they've come in contact with flood waters.  They have a longer shelf life than bottled juice and require no refrigeration before opening.

However, all canned juice is not equal. A lot of canned juice contains very little "real juice," and is basically glorified sugar water. This is especially true of "juice drinks" marketed towards children. It is important to select high quality juices for inclusion in your emergency kits.  

For an Emergency Kit, you'll want high quality juices, packed in single serve, pop-top cans. You'll also want juice that tastes okay at room temperature. And if you've included alcohol in your Emergency Kit, you'll want juice that can double as a mixer.  In addition, you want juice that will give you fiber and nutrients, something that will count as one of your "five servings of fruit" for the day.

Personally, I like to keep Dole Pineapple Juice in my own Emergency Kit, as it fills all of the requirements. It's 100% juice, gives me fiber and vitamins, and can be used as a mixer with most alcohols.  Ocean Spray also makes a variety of no sugar added juices in single serving cans, including apple, cranberry, orange, and grapefruit. Welch's makes some canned juices, and there is always the good old standby, V-8.

Juice Boxes and Pouches: Mixed

Juice Boxes and Juice Pouches are the mainstays of many a Summer Camp, the modern day replacement for "Bug Juice." However, like "Bug Juice," juice boxes and pouches tend to be full  of junk, including preservatives and lots of added sugars.  They also tend to be messy. Squeeze one just a little too hard, and you've now got sticky juice covering unwanted surfaces, something that is less than ideal in an Emergency, where cleaning supplies are at a premium.  Pouches and juice boxes are also prone to unwanted punctures.  All in all, canned juices are a much better option for an Emergency than pouches.

That being said, there are some quality juice boxes and pouches, and they are often easier to find than cans.  You are much more likely to find a variety pack too, making it easier to stock your kit with a wide variety of choices. If you have children, they may be picky enough that pouches or boxes are your only real option. So long as you choose quality juices, and you do not leave them loose in your kit, juice boxes and pouches can be a good solution. Just keep an eye on their "use by dates," as they tend to have a shorter shelf life than cans.

Single Serving Wines: Win

Studies have shown that folks who drink a glass of wine a day receive some health benefits from their habit. So long as one does not overindulge too much, wine can be a great part of an Emergency Kit. But this is a case when single serving packs are generally a better choice than larger bottles.

First, single serving packs do not require corkscrews. Some come in "sealed glass" type packaging, while others come in single-serve glass bottles.  They even make Wine Boxes and Wine Pouches, similar to juice boxes and juice pouches, as well as wine in cans.  Of course, none of these are "fine wines," but there are some decent every day wines that now come in single serving packages. And most of these can be found at your favorite place to buy wine, even if that's your grocery store.  

Although you may consume more than one in a sitting, single-pack wines do not encourage you to overindulge. You will not feel compelled to finish a bottle, nor wonder what the best way is to store the leftover wine.  If you are the type who enjoys a daily glass of vino, consider purchasing some sort of single-serving wine pack for your Emergency Kit.

Beer: Fail

Beer just does not do well in an Emergency Kit. Bottled beer has a short shelf life, and most people do not enjoy beer if it is not cold.  Beer is very susceptible to temperature changes, and tends to "skunk" when stored long term.  Many bottled beers require openers.  

Only the most die-hard beer lover needs to worry about having beer during an emergency, and that type is likely to have stock on hand that can be cycled into the kit, if needed.   Beer is the one thing you probably do not need to stock in an Emergency Kit.

Liquor: Mixed

There are some people who feel liquor has no place in an Emergency Kit, and others who feel no kit is complete without it.    It probably goes without saying that at least ONE member of your Evacuation Group needs to remain sober at all times, just in case you need to flee farther.  Overindulging during a storm can lead to poor judgment. But when you're sheltering in place, and you won't be able to go anywhere anyway, sometimes a Good Old Hurricane Party is just what the doctor ordered.  We're not here to judge, but rather, to help you prepare for whatever situation you envision.

If you do include liquor in your evacuation kit, stick to the small bottles. The last thing you need while fleeing or trying to return is a ticket for that open bottle of liquor you are not supposed to be transporting.  For an evacuation kit, pints or miniatures are preferable. And they should be stored in the trunk while you are on the road.

If you are sheltering in place, the size or condition of bottles is not as important.  However, you should be prepared to drink your libations without ice, using some of the beverages you keep in your Emergency Kit as mixers.  That plastic bottle of tonic water will probably not keep its fizz for several months, so again, stocking canned mixers is preferable.   High sugar liquors, like Rum, schnapps, and Fireball should be avoided. Something like vodka is a good choice, as it can be used for cleaning and sanitizing in an Emergency, as well as imbibing.  

Soda: Mixed

Soda is another thing that can be either a winner or a loser during an Emergency.  A lot of sodas are basically just sugar water, which can be extremely dehydrating.  Plastic bottles will leak carbonation if stored for an extended period of time. Diet Soda has a short shelf life, and can be even shorter depending on which form of sweetener it uses.  On the flip side, soda can be a good source of caffeine, especially when there is no hot water with which to make coffee in the morning.  And if your body is used to having caffeine on a daily basis, you may find yourself suffering headaches and other withdrawal symptoms if you do not have any.

I am a Diet Soda Addict. Rarely a day goes by without me having at least a couple.  I need Diet Soda in my own Emergency Kit. However, I realize this is NOT something I can stock at the beginning of the season and count on being drinkable when the emergency finally comes.  Instead, I ensure I keep an adequate supply on hand throughout the season, so I'll always have a 12-pack I can grab at the last minute.  

At the beginning of the season, I do grab some canned soda when I am restocking the Emergency Kit. I also grab a few single-serve bottles of my favorite premium Ginger Ale, Fever Tree, as it's hard to find. And I find this Ginger Ale essential for comforting an upset stomach, something that is not unusual during a stressful event.  I usually include a few cans of Sprite as well, as it contains hydrating electrolytes, as well as a few cans of Coke and Mountain Dew for my caffeine fix.  Again, I stick to cans as they have a better shelf life than plastic bottles. (The Ginger Ale is my one exception to that rule, as it only comes in glass bottles.)

Canned and Bottled Teas: Mixed

The same thing we've discussed about sodas and juices applies to bottled teas.  Many of these are basically sugar water, and are full of nothing but chemicals.  Plastic bottles are not good for long term storage, and are easily contaminated by flood waters. Large serving bottles require refrigeration after opening.  But bottled teas are a good alternative to other teas when you have no hot water, and not all pre-made teas are bad.  Try to stick to single serving cans and watch the shelf life.

Instant Coffee and Tea: Win

Many of us cannot live without our daily coffee and tea, but sometimes this is the hardest thing to actually get during a storm.  If you are sheltering in place, and you have access to a grill or a camp stove, you will be able to boil water. Consider adding a few packets of instant coffee and/or teabags to your Emergency Kit.

Starbucks Via is a line of single-pack, high quality instant coffees, with each pack being about the size of an average sugar packet.  It is probably the best instant coffee on the market today, and is a good addition to any Emergency Kit.  

There are a variety of instant teas on the market, including Ice Tea Powder. These are also a good solution for an Emergency Kit, especially if you are a tea lover.  It's probably a better solution than canned or bottled tea.  Pique Tea makes a line of instant teas, packaged like Starbucks Via Instant Coffee.  Again, these would make a good addition to any Emergency Kit.

Coffee Beans and K-Cups: Fail

Yes, every "normal" day for me begins with a cup of coffee, made from freshly ground beans.  But that takes equipment, and power, in order to happen. Yes, some folks pack a French Press in their kit, along with a camp stove, solely so they can have coffee during an Emergency Event. However, few decent beans have a shelf life of several months, and the ones that do taste no better than Starbucks Via. 

Likewise, K-Cups take a special brewer, and power, in order to be made.  They may have a longer shelf life than most beans, but you will still need a way to actually brew them.  Settling for instant coffee in your emergency kit is a much better option. If you are sheltering in place, you can use the supply of beans you have on hand with that camp stove.  But if you end up needing to flee, you might be happy you thought to tuck a few packs of instant coffee in your kit at the beginning of the season.

Flavorings, Powders,  and Drops: Win

Although not a beverage per se, powders, drops, and other flavorings deserve a spot in this category. Crystal Light, Kool Aid, Country Time, and Tang are all examples of powders. Mio and Daisani are amongst the brands that make flavoring drops. These products are designed to be mixed with water to produce a flavored drink.  And these can be good items to keep in an Emergency Kit, especially if you do not like plain water.

Powders and drops take up little space. However, some come in packets or large containers, designed to make a pitcher at a time. These are NOT the types of powders to include in your kits.  This is another place where single serving packages prevail. They are less prone to clumping due to humidity, withstand bug invasions better, and are more convenient to use during a storm. Look for the ones designed to flavor a single serving at a time. 

Other Packaged Beverages: Mixed

Everything that applies to waters, juices, sodas, and teas applies here as well.  Choose beverages packed in single-serving sized containers, and choose cans over bottles, whenever possible. Include a few canned beverages with at least a six-month shelf life at the beginning of the season, and keep a sufficient supply of your crucial beverage on hand at all times.  

Summary: Water and Other Beverages

You will be happier if you include your favorite beverages in your Emergency Kit, as well as some good old water. You will need water for both drinking and hygiene purposes, and can actually have "designated supplies" for each purpose.  But if you generally prefer to drink things other than plain water, that preference won't change just because an emergency occurs. In fact, you will want your preferred drink even more when you are under stress.

Plastic bottles are the worst type of packaging for beverages in an Emergency Kit.  Cans and pouches are preferable to water.  Powders and instant drinks are also good additions.  Single-sized packages are the best sizes to look for when it comes to this category. This is one occasion where it pays to spend the premium for small sized packages over large ones.

Food for your Emergency Kit: Winners and Losers

This is an area in which the "winners" and the "losers" will depend a lot on personal taste.  Almost any non-perishable food product with a decent shelf life will be considered a "winner" to someone.   Again, the key lies in having things you actually enjoy eating in your kits, and having enough of a variety, you will still be eating a well-balanced diet that adheres to any personal dietary restrictions.  

This is a time in which you must depend on somewhat processed foods.  You may need to eat food with more preservatives than you'd generally prefer.  You may need to shop more judiciously within a certain category, reading labels carefully, rather than just grabbing the first can that catches your eye.

There are some general guidelines that apply to things in this category:

• Canned is better than jarred or bottled. When given a choice, purchase an item in the canned version over the bottled version. Canned foods are less prone to leakage. They are safe even when floodwaters have soiled them.  Conversely, any jarred or bottled food should be disposed of if it has had ANY contact with flood waters.
• Buy the smallest size possible. It is much better to buy a bag filled with 10 individual bags of chips, rather than a family sized bag.  If possible, every food item in your Emergency Kit should be able to be consumed in a single session, so there is no need to worry about storing or sealing any leftovers. This is the time to splurge on the single, bowl sized packs of cereal, and those boxes of "100 calorie packs."  You may pay more for ounce, but you will have less spoilage, and your kit will most likely take you through more than one storm before the food supplies are exhausted.
• Foil type containers, cardboard boxes, and the like should be put into zipper-type bags before long-term storage. Most often, folks store their Emergency Kits in a little used area of the house. These areas are more prone to insect infestation. Sometimes, you may buy packs of food that are already contaminated with eggs and/or pests.  By sealing boxes in zipper type bags, you minimize the chance of infestation, and limit any already "contaminated" products from spreading mites to other food items.  The bags will also offer an additional layer of water protection, and they can be recycled as trash bags or used to re-package any leftovers.  

Canned Food: An Essential Component of Any Emergency Kit

Canned food should be one of the largest parts of any Emergency Kit. In fact, it probably warrants its own waterproof bin.  But the term "canned food" encompasses far too wide a spectrum for me to just declare it a "Winner" and leave it at that. There are specific canned foods that are fantastic to include, while others should be avoided, when possible.

Canned Foods: Winners

Canned foods are a necessary part of any Emergency Kit. They have a long shelf life, are bug resistant, and require no special storage. All canned foods sold in the United States are safe to eat straight out of the can, regardless of whether they are designed to be eaten hot or cold.  In addition, many nutritious and/or high protein foods are available in cans. Most canned foods should last for several years before they need to be "cycled out."  And most products that come in "family sized" cans also have small counterparts.  Within this category, here are some specific products you might include:

• Vegetables: Try to choose varieties you enjoy eating cold, like peas, chickpeas, and corn.  Things like artichoke hearts or hearts of palm can be mixed with meats, fruits, or other veggies to create balanced meals.
• Fruit: Canned fruit can likewise provide nutrition. The "juice" can be mixed into beverages or can be used to flavor other foods.
• Beans: Black beans, white beans, and even pinto beans can be eaten cold. They can be mixed with canned vegetables to create "salads." They can be drained, mashed, and mixed with a few spices to create a dip for chips. They pack a lot of nutrition into a small package.
• Chicken: A lot of people do not think of chicken when they think of canned foods, and it is actually one of the best. Canned chicken can be eaten as is, mixed with beans or veggies, and even smashed into a sort of dip. It is tasty straight out of the can, on crackers.
• Tuna: Another versatile, high protein food.
• Canned Ham: Ham is available in small cans, much like tuna, or in a larger size, as a "whole ham." The larger size is a good choice for families.
• Deviled Meat Spreads: can be eaten with crackers
• Spam: Hawaiians make a cold salad using chunks of Spam and pineapple.
• Vienna Sausages: Probably the only time I eat these is during an Emergency. They're good with mustard, easy to eat, and they remind me of my childhood.  

When shopping for canned goods, try to think of how you might pair things so you buy complementary items. For example, I like tuna with chickpeas, or black beans mixed with mexicorn. I like chicken mixed with either apricots or pineapple with a little balsamic.  Think of your own "can assembly" type recipes when you shop for canned goods with which to stock your kit.

I also think chicken is the winner amongst the canned meats. It doesn't smell, and it mixes well with many non-perishable condiments.  I found I'd used up every single can of chicken I had in my kit during Irma, while the tuna sat there untouched.  I can also get good canned chicken at my local Dollar Tree, making it an economical choice as well.  

Also, look for pop-tops, and choose them whenever possible. I usually buy the Publix Brand cans of beans for daily use, but for my Emergency Kit, I spring for the name brand. Want to know why? The name brand comes in a pop-top can, whereas the Publix brand does not. 

Canned Foods: Losers

Again, there are no real losers when it comes to canned foods, except for foods that are not to your personal taste. But the best canned foods are ones you actually ENJOY eating cold, and ones you are PREPARED to eat cold. They are foods you assemble, rather than cook, or just eat as is.  When assembling a true Emergency Kit, it's best to assume you'll be sheltered elsewhere, stuck in a small space for an extended period, with no working utilities.  This way, you'll be prepared for this situation.  We are thinking of the direst situation when we talk about what might not be best for inclusion in your kit.  Some of these items are quite good for a "shelter at home" type of situation.

These canned foods are not as good for Emergency Kits:

• Sardines and other canned fish: Canned fish can be very tasty. But it's usually packaged in oil, and it can be very strong smelling.  Tuna packed in water you can drain into a non-working sink; you cannot ever drain oil into a sink. You'll be stuck with the mess and the odor of whatever you eat, possibly for days. 
• Other strong smelling or oily foods: In fact, it's best to avoid anything oily or smelly in general. Yes, you may sacrifice some flavor with a water-packed alternative. But in the long run, it's worth the sacrifice in taste to not have to deal with the mess or the smell. Bring nothing but pickled herring to a public shelter, and you may find your evacuation mates pushing you out into the storm along with the odors.
• Soup, Canned Pasta, and Chili: All of these foods are great if you have some sort of heat source, but if you have to evacuate, you cannot count on having any food heating capabilities. Public shelters may offer a communal microwave, but there will most certainly be long lines to use it.  You may count on being able to use a camp stove or grill to heat canned food, and then find you're out of gas sooner than you expected.  It is not terrible to include a few foods that require heating, because you will often have that luxury in some form. But it is best that these types of foods take up no more than about 25% of your total canned goods. In other words, you need to be sure you have more food you can eat cold than food that needs heating.  So unless you really love cold Spaghetti-Os or Clam Chowder, it's best not to make it the bulk of your Emergency Food Kit. 
• Anything messy or complicated: Again, if it's a messy food, find an alternative. It's only for a little while.  If it needs cleaning, excessive draining, or too much futzing with, it's not the best thing for your Emergency Kit. You may normally buy whole tomatoes and chop them yourself, but buy the diced ones for your kit so they need no prep at all to go into a salad. 

Other "Must Have" Emergency Foods

Of course, humanity cannot live by canned food alone. Or maybe we can, but we just don't want to.  There are a lot of shelf-stable foods that do not come in cans, all of which should be considered for your own Evacuation Kit.

Vacuum Packed and/or "Pouch" Foods: Win with Caveats

Many items previously available in cans are now being sold in vacuum packed pouches. Chicken, tuna, soups, pet foods, pasta, sauces, and more are now being sold in this type of packaging.  This gives the product inside a longer shelf life, and in most cases, enables it to be stored without refrigeration. However, many (if not most) of these food items need refrigeration once the package is opened.  

Pouches and vacuum packs are handy because most can be opened with just one's hands.  This technology also allows many food products to be packaged without any additional liquid. For example, unlike canned tuna, pouch tuna requires no draining before use.  For these reasons, many folks prefer this newer technology to old-fashioned canned counterparts.

There are some drawbacks, however. Because it is easier to open, pouches are more easily breached than cans. An errant knife in a sliding bin can be enough to puncture a pouch. And although it may not leak, that small puncture is sufficient to spoil the food inside. It also has a shorter shelf life than canned counterparts, and so, it must be rotated out at the end of every season, and restocked at the beginning of the next one.  Rodents may also chew through pouches fairly easily. It's always suggested that you store pouches within zipper bags, within a separate "hard" container to protect your pouch food as much as possible.  For most people, this means a gallon bag within a small bin within the larger Kit.

Shelf-Stable Microwave Meals: Fail

Today, you'll find a variety of shelf-stable microwave meals in groceries, convenience stores, and even vending machines. These are MEANT to be cooked before consumption; some may not be safe to eat without proper heating. Therefore, although they're fine to keep in a drawer at the office for an "Emergency Lunch," they're best left out of an Emergency Kit

Boxed Crackers, Flatbreads, and Breadsticks: Win

Bread is very perishable. If you'll want to be eating bread during a storm, you'll need to grab that at the last minute. However, crackers, breadsticks, flatbreads, and other boxed bread replacements are perfect for an Emergency Kit.  Most items in this category have at least a six month shelf life, and they make a great base for your canned proteins.  However, these should be rotated back into the pantry and used pretty quickly at the end of each season. Unlike canned foods, you cannot keep them for several years. They should also be put into zipper bags BEFORE storage. These bags will help keep the items safe from bugs, as well as provide a way to keep the items fresh once the package has been opened. 

Peanut Butter and Other Nut Butters: Win

Nut butters should be a part of every Emergency Kit. They have a fairly long shelf life and are nutritious. It's delicious spread on other things, or eaten with a spoon right out of the jar. But this is an occasion where you'll want to avoid all natural and homemade nut butters. These have an extremely short shelf life. They need to be refrigerated or they'll quickly go rancid. No, this is the time for the less healthy National Brand, like Jif or Skippy.  

Dried Fruit, Nuts, and Trail Mixes: Win

 

Nuts, trail mixes, and dried fruit are all great things for any Emergency Kit. Again, you'll want to stick to vacuum packed bags or tins, rather than buying from the bulk bin.  Fresh nuts can go rancid quickly, and so you'll want to buy nuts that are packaged to have a long shelf life.  For nuts, cans are preferable to jars, for all of the reasons we've previously discussed. Vacuum packed bags of nuts have a longer shelf life than the bags you'll find in the baking aisle.  The same is true of any Trail Mixes.

When it comes to dried fruits, pouches are probably your best bet.  Cardboard containers are more vulnerable to pests and rodents.   Because of shelf life, this is another category of items that need to be rotated seasonally.

Cereal: Win

Cereal is another shelf stable, long life food that is nutrient dense.  Most cereals have a shelf life of at least a year.  However, again I think this is a time where packaging can be key, and it's worth the money to spring for the single serve bowls, unless you have a particularly large family who eats a lot of cereal.

I buy a case of single serves at the beginning of the season, and I rotate it back out at the end.  About the best price I've seen offline was about a dollar per cup.   And I'll admit it; I throw in some Captain Crunch to satisfy the "comfort food" cravings. I personally enjoy cereal without milk, but we will be discussing milk options next.  

The single serve bowls are designed so you do not need a separate bowl in order to eat it. They are also much more bug resistant than boxed cereals.  It is easier to include a variety of cereals with the single serve bowls. The grab and go package is exactly what you need during an Emergency. Again, I usually throw a couple bowls in a ziploc BEFORE putting them in the food bin to give them an extra layer of water protection.

Long Life Milk, Canned Milk, and Powdered Milk: Win

Milk and other dairy products are amongst the most perishable foods around. Most so-called "fresh" dairy products are heavily processed before being sold. It is because of this perishability that science studied ways to prolong milk's life for decades. Lucky for us, dairy technology has grown to include several shelf-stable options.

UHT Milk: First of all, there is  UHT Milk, aka "Long Life."  This is the milk you see packaged in big "juice boxes."  Basically, UHT stands for Ultra High Temperature, a label which refers to its pasteurizing process.   After heating, it's packaged in aseptic packaging, or juice box type things. These boxes may be a gallon, or they may be single-serve, like a juice box.  UHT milk has a shelf life of 6-9 months unopened. Once opened, it has a shelf life of a day or two without refrigeration, and about a week or two with. They have even started selling UHT Milk at my Dollar Tree.  

UHT Milk can be found in "alternate" varieties, like almond milk, as well as organic varieties.  And of course, traditional cow's milk is available. Hershey's even puts out a chocolate milk in single serve boxes. 

UHT milk definitely has a place in an Evacuation Kit. Depending on how you use milk, and for how many people you're covering, you may opt for the individual servings, the larger cartons, or both.  Again, this is an item that will not last for more than one season; it cannot be stored indefinitely.

Canned Milk: Canned milk is another good alternative to dairy-case milk. Evaporated milk is an excellent stand in for cream, and when watered down, is a great milk replacement. Non-dairy milks are also available in cans, including coconut milk and almond milk.  And sweetened condensed milk can make bottled coffee or tea taste drinkable.

Canned milk lasts forever before opening. But like UHT Milk, canned milk should be refrigerated after it's opened. It can last several hours without refrigeration once opened.  Canned milk generally comes in small cans, slightly larger than a single serving, but containing not more than a couple.  It can last several years before it needs to be rotated out.

Powdered Milk: Powdered milk is another option, but it's probably the loser of the three. Powdered milk is messy. It usually comes in flimsy packaging. It's prone to clumping. And it actually has the shortest shelf life of the three, with the FDA recommending it be used within six months.  Powdered milk needs to be mixed with water, and it can be a PITA to get it completely dissolved. It probably has the worst mouth-feel of the three.  If it gets damp at all, it's useless.

With canned milk and UHT Milk both being sold at the Dollar Stores these days, powdered milk is probably not even the most economical choice. The only thing it has going for it is it's lightweight and takes up the least space in the kit.  It is best to repackage it into tightly sealed plastic containers or glass jars before packing into your kit. At the very least, it's box or canister needs to be protected with a double zipper bag.

Shelf Stable Tofu: Win

This is one of the BEST things to keep in an Evacuation Kit. Tofu is a nutrient dense food with a lot of health benefits. It is a fantastic source of protein for folks who do not eat meat or fish.  It is rather bland on its own, but it takes on the flavors of anything you put with it.  And it is now available in shelf-stable packaging.

Shelf stable tofu is packaged in aseptic packaging, similar to UHT Milk.  Unlike the tofu you find in the cold case at the local grocery, boxed tofu requires no refrigeration until it is opened.  It also requires less liquid in the packaging, making it a lot easier to drain.  It can be eaten straight out of the package, or cubed and mixed with fruits or vegetables to create a sweet or a savory dish. 

Condiments, Hot Sauces, and Vinegars: Win

Reading through this list of foods to include in a kit thus far makes one think one thing: boring, bland, and uninteresting.  And it's true that most processed food needs enhancing. That's where this category comes in. You can pack all types of flavoring ingredients into your Kit to help perk up all the bland stuff.

Large spice jars take up a lot of room. But that does not mean your kit needs no spices. If you eat take out food at all, you probably have a ton of salt and pepper packets. Throw those into a baggie and toss them into your food bin. When you prep it at the beginning of the season, it's time to clean out that "packet stash" as well. Those soy sauce packets from the take out sushi or Chinese delivery? Toss them in a baggie. Add the catsup, mustard, and mayo packets you've accumulated, along with any dressing packets that do not require refrigeration. Toss in those unused ramen packets.  Grab those condiments you've stashed in the console of the car while you're at it. If your stash looks slim, plan to ask for an extra condiment packet with every take out order you place until you've built a sufficient stash.  Mayo, tartar sauce, and more "delicate" condiments should be cleaned out and replaced each year. Vinegar-based condiments, such as mustard and barbecue sauce, will last longer.

In fact, any condiment with vinegar as its primary ingredient does not need refrigeration. Some manufacturers recommend it to maintain consistency in taste and texture, but not for sanitation reasons.  Most mustards and hot sauces fall into this category, as does vinegar itself.  

Here again, the Dollar Store is your Storm Prep Friend. I think a Dollar Store trip is an essential part of my yearly storm prep. While I'm there, I grab a "travel bottle kit," with small, TSA-friendly sized bottles, as well as one of those 7 day pill boxes. When I get home, I fill the bottles with wine, rice, and balsamic vinegar. (I usually buy a small bottle of hot sauce to include in the kit.)  I use the pill box for spices, labeling each compartment with a Sharpie.  Then I toss those in a gallon baggie, toss in the smaller baggies containing my packets, and toss that into my food bin.  

While I'm at the dollar store, I often pick up a small bottle of Italian Dressing, to toss into the condiment component of my evacuation kit. Italian Dressing is a versatile seasoning, and a bottle can last for several days without refrigeration, once opened.  Avoid any creamy dressings unless they're in packets, as they WILL need to be refrigerated once opened. They also have a shorter shelf life, so check the dates carefully.

Shelf Stable Cheese: Win

Likewise, some cheeses can last for several days without refrigeration and have a decent shelf life. Primary amongst these is Parmesan Cheese in a can.  You can buy the mini-size to throw in your kit. You'll most likely use it up before the Storm Event is over. Likewise, you can usually find the individual cheeses that do not require refrigeration in the same aisle at the grocery. These include Laughing Cow and some varieties of Babybel.  And there's always that infamous Cheese-in-a-Can.

You may be stuck with blander foods than you'd ideally like. If you remember to stock the flavor enhancers in your Emergency Kit, you'll be much happier.

Jerky: Win

You're either a Jerky person or you're not. If you are, Jerky is a wonderful thing to include in your Emergency Food Kit.  It's a fantastic protein source, and if you buy the vacuum packs, it can have a shelf life of several years. It is an inexpensive meat source. It can be chopped up and used to flavor many "assembly type" dishes. 

Kind Bars, Meal Replacement Bars, etc.: Win

These are portable, single serve, packed with nutrients, and excellent food to include in an Emergency Kit.  Depending on the type, these can have a shelf life from several months to over a year.  

I am partial to Kind Bars myself. Each month, my subscribe and save contains at least one box of Kind Bars.  (The Maple Pecan, the Caramel Sea Salt, and the Apricot Almond are among my favorites.) They're healthy, and many varieties feed your sweet cravings as well as a candy bar.  I always order an extra box for my kit at the start of the season.

Luna Bars, Lara Bars, Cliff Bars, and other "meal replacement bars" are another winner.  They can give you a much needed burst of energy when you most need it.  These types of bars have a shelf life of several months, and need to be rotated out at the end of each season.  Additionally, they should be packed into baggies before packing in your kit, to help protect them from contamination.

Jams and Jellies: Win

Jams and Jellies can add a lot of flavor to a lot of things. They can be combined with vinegars to make a dressing, spread on a cracker with some peanut butter, or mixed with tofu to create a sweet dessert.  Like mustard, jams and jellies will maintain their taste and consistency better if refrigerated after opening. But jams and jellies were invented as a means of preserving fruit for long term storage. In most climates, they will keep for at least a week without refrigeration once opened. I find a jar of apricot jam is most versatile, as it combines so well with so many sweet and savory canned goods.  But I definitely recommend you keep a small jar of  your favorite jam or jelly in your Emergency Kit. Like spices and condiments, you will find it enhances the flavor of many otherwise bland items.

Comfort/Junk Food: Win

Let's face it: no Emergency Kit is complete without the Comfort Food. And if we can't have hot or cold food, for most of us that means junk.  When it's time to stress eat, we're going to want the cookies, chips, Doritos, Snickers, or Twinkies.  Go ahead and include some of your favorite shelf stable favorite comfort food.

The same rules apply here as to "the good stuff." Single serve packages are best. If you're going to eat that whole bag of chips anyway, you'll be glad you don't have the Family Size.  And you should look for the processed junk foods over the "healthier alternatives," because it's that processing that gives them that long shelf life. That's why a Hostess Cupcake will be edible for years, while one from your local bakery will turn into a rock in a mere few days.And protect any snacks with flimsy packaging by putting them into zipper bags.  

So yes, Mom's homemade cookies are far superior to Chips Ahoy, but they won't last for six months in the bottom of a bin in a closet.  And Captain Crunch is less susceptible to weather damage than is a Snickers Bar, although both will satisfy a sweet tooth.  Think of the Storm Emergency as an excuse to eat all of that junk you'd never allow yourself to eat at any other time. Look at your processed comfort food as the silver lining to what you are going through.

Emergency Food: Losers

We've talked about the essentials for an Emergency Food Kit, as well as the winners and losers within each category. Now it's time to discuss the things you should NOT include in your Evacuation Kit.

You can leave out:

• Anything that requires refrigeration after opening;
• Anything that requires cooking or heating for safe consumption;
• Anything that has a shelf life of less than 4 months;
• Most dairy products;
• Anything in delicate packaging;
• Anything in "Family Sized Packaging";
• Anything messy or with a strong smell;
• Anything likely to cause digestive distress;
• Anything you flat out don't like..

I'd also include Cheese in a Spray Can on this list.  Yes, it's shelf stable, but just don't do it.  No situation is that desperate.

Other Essential Items: Winners and Losers

Winners:

Over the course of four parts, we've covered pretty much everything you need to include in your Emergency or Evacuation Kit.  However, there are a few miscellaneous items you need to include which do not fit into any of the categories we've discussed thus far.  The following items should also be included in every Emergency Kit.

• Can Opener:  You need to include a can opener for all of those foods that require one.  This can be either a manual can opener or a battery powered one.
  
  Personally, I have bad hands, so I include one of those "one touch" can openers, that is battery powered and easy on the hands.   (I have linked to several of this type in the text.)
• First Aid Kit: Every Emergency Kit should include a basic first aid kit.  This should include bandages, alcohol wipes, antibacterial cream, gloves, gauze and tape, etc.  You may also want to include some simple OTC medicines, like benadryl, calamine lotion,  aspirin, etc.  Any medications should be rotated out of your kit annually.
  
  I actually sprained my pinkie finger evacuating for Irma, and was happy to be able to tape it up once I arrived at the hotel.
• Paper Products: This includes napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper. Pack a few rolls of paper towels; you'll go through a lot more than you'd think, most likely. Also stash a roll or two of TP in a zipper bag.  This might be a good time to clean out all those napkins you've included in the car as well.  You'll also need some paper plates and paper cups.
• Silverware and Utensils: I like to include some plastic silverware in my Emergency Kit, as well as a serving spoon or two from the Dollar Store.  I like to throw in a few plastic containers with lids that can double as mixing bowls as well.  Things like condiments, silverware, and napkins can be packed inside these containers so you do not waste any space. Trust me, you'll be happy to have a few things you can mix those canned goods in, as well as a spoon to do it with.
• Swiss Army Knife and/or Multi-Tool:  A good Swiss Army type pocket knife and or a multi-tool is a great thing to keep in an emergency kit. With the right knife, you'll have a sharp blade, a church-key type can opener, and a bottle opener, all in a small, compact form. Throw in a multi-tool and you've got what you need to do small repairs and open battery doors.  Even if you usually keep a "good knife" on your person or in your purse, grab an inexpensive one and dedicate it to your Emergency Kit.

• OTC Medications and Copies of Prescriptions: Most prescription medications need to be packed last minute.  However, OTC medications can be purchased in advance and stored in your kit. I take generic zyrtec on a daily basis. At the beginning of the season, I stash a 2 week supply in my Emergency Kit. Likewise, I include a small bottle of baby aspirin, a small bottle of tylenol, some oral pain gel, and some cough drops.  I rotate these things out each season.  I also include a few of those icy hot patches.
  
  The OTC medicines you should include depends on your own issues.  If it's something you use on a regular basis, and it has a decent shelf life, include it in your emergency kit.  I hoard the sample packs I accumulate over the year and toss them into my kit at the beginning of each season.
  
  And although you cannot get prescription medicine in advance usually, you can get copies of all of your prescription information. Make sure you include a list of all current prescriptions, dosage, purpose, pharmacy, and prescribing doctor in your Emergency List, and update it each year. Should you run out of medication before you are able to return home, having this information will be crucial.
• A Flash Drive w/ Documents + Paper Copies:  Your prescription information can be backed up on a flash drive, which is kept in your Emergency Kit. Along with this information, you need digital copies of all your important documents. And this digital store needs to be updated each year.
  
  Get a password protected or encrypted flash drive for your Emergency Kit.  Include digital copies of all insurance policies, medical information, etc. Scan your driver's license, passport, credit cards, etc., and include these on the drive.  Even if you have this information stored somewhere in the Cloud, back it up to a flash drive and keep it in your kit.  If possible, throw paper copies into a ziploc bag and toss them in as well.
  
  If paper copies are destroyed, and internet access is down, you will be glad to have digital copies of all your important documents and personal information. It will make accessing relief services a lot easier.  It is very likely you'll find a working piece of electronics capable of reading your drive, even if all communications and utility systems are down.
• Whistle: EVERY Emergency Operations Center suggests you include a shrill whistle in your Emergency Kit. Whistles are a good old fashioned, low tech way to attract attention when you need it.
• Blanket and Pillow: You never know where you'll end up or in what type of conditions. If space allows, include a blanket and a pillow. You do want to be comfortable as possible, even in the worst conditions.
• Change of Clothing:  Every Emergency Kit should include at least one change of clothing, a pair of underwear, and a cheap pair of closed toed shoes.  It will come in handy if you have to flee without having time to do anything but grab your kit and run.

• Toothbrush, Mouthwash, and Toiletries: Again, you may not have time to pack up necessities, so it's good to include a few basic toiletries in your Emergency Kit. Those  free soap, shampoo, and lotion samples you accumulate? Like with the condiment packets, clean out the drawer once a year and throw the contents into your Emergency Kit.  Those oral hygiene samples your Dentist gives you when you get your teeth cleaned? Toss them in your Emergency Kit. Be sure to include mouthwash for those days when you are so utility challenged that tooth-brushing is out of the question. Toss in a comb and a couple of hairbands while you're at it.
• Spare Assistive Devices: If you use any type of assistive device, it's good to keep a spare in your Emergency Kit. This includes things like canes, crutches, eye glasses, braces, and walkers. I need a mouthguard at night, so I keep one of those disposable ones in my Evacuation Kit.  I also need a cane to walk, so my kit includes a spare cane as well as a spare cane tip
  . 
• Rain Poncho:  Those cheap rain ponchos, like they sell at Dollar Stores and stadiums, are a handy thing to keep in your kit.  They can double as tarps or ground cloths in a pinch.  I like to keep a couple of these in my own kit.
• Trash Bags and Cleaning Supplies:  Keep a few heavy duty trash bags in your Emergency Kit, as well as some of those plastic shopping bags that seem to multiply like rabbits.  Toss in a few sponges and some all-purpose cleaning solution as well.
• Air Freshener or Room Spray: This is not an essential item, but it's something that is nice to have. Often, you'll end up evacuating to a cheap motel. Even in a nice hotel, things can get musty when the power is out and it's storming outside.
• Cash:  Credit cards and ATMS do not work when the power is out. Therefore, every Emergency Kit should include several hundred dollars in cash.  You may not have the luxury of keeping cash on hand and stashed in your kit, or you may not feel safe doing so.  If necessary, get the cash last minute. But do not plan on riding out an emergency without having cash on hand.
• Camp Stove and Propane: Although you may not be in a situation where you can use it, having a small camp stove and propane to run it can be luxurious, if you are in a situation where you can use it.  It can also come in handy when you've returned from evacuating, but are still facing utility outages. If you include a stove, you'll want to include at least one pot or pan you can use with it.

Losers:

 

There are no real losers when it comes to building an Evacuation Kit. If it is something that will bring you comfort, it is probably worth the space.  However, some things are less essential than others.  When a storm hits, these are the things you do not need to worry about.

• High Heels or Dress Shoes;
• Fancy Clothing;
• Makeup;
• Jewelry;
• Television Sets and Large Electronics;
• Candles;
• Anything delicate.
• Pre-packaged Emergency Kits. These are over-priced and usually filled with things that are not to your taste.

Don't Forget Fido

If you have pets, each will require his or her own Emergency Kit.  That kit needs to include wee wee pads, clean up bags, spare leashes, hard copies of health certificates, food, bedding, toys, dishes, and treats. You'll also need some sort of carrier or kennel for your pets, especially if you are planning on going to a Public Shelter.  You'll also want to include "dry wipes," flea treatment, and any medications.  Make sure your pet has some sort of id tag, even if s/he is microchipped, in case you are separated at any point during the event. And make sure that tag has your cell phone number on it.  If your pet is particularly storm sensitive, you may want to ask your vet about getting some calming medication to keep in your pet's kit.

Assembling Your Emergency Kit

Those large, plastic, lidded bins that are available at any big box retailer are a good base container for your Emergency Kit,  Rather than finding a single bin that will fit everything, I recommend you break your kit into several bins.  Make sure a single bin is not too heavy for you to carry comfortable, and make sure all of the bins fit easily within the trunk of your car. Make sure you have room for your last minute items as well.

I separate my canned goods across two bins, to prevent having to haul a particularly heavy bin out of storage. I often use those "plastic shoebox" type bins within the larger bins, so I can find things more easily. I separate the more perishable foods in with part of the cans, along with my batteries. The lighting and other supplies go in the other bin with the rest of the cans.  Since I am packing a kit for one, I can get the bulk of it into two bins, supplemented with a couple of small bags,  if I grab a pillow last minute.

Your supplies can be stored in whatever containers you choose, so long as they're easy to store and easy to grab when you need them.  Bags make a good alternative to bins. Whatever container you choose, it should be water resistant and hard for critters to chew through.

Summary

Over the course of four parts, we've discussed just about everything there is to discuss about preparing for, and living through, a Storm Emergency.  We've covered what to do in advance, how to get through the storm itself, and how to survive the aftermath. We've talked about preparing to weather the storm at home, as well as being ready to flee, when and if necessary. We've looked at the various categories of supplies you'll need, as well as specifics.  We've shared our own experience with weathering a Storm Emergency and surviving the aftermath.  

Over the course of the series, we've looked at Emergency Lighting, Emergency Power, Emergency Food, and Emergency Entertainment. We've discussed the communications systems that helped us and failed us while we were suffering the Event.  We've talked about how to get through days when you are stuck inside without the benefit of having power, internet, or other utilities to keep you from dieing of boredom.  And we've talked about what you need to keep you fed and well hydrated while you ride things out.

This concludes our series on Weathering a Storm Event.  We lived through Irma, and although it's been several weeks, we're still living with her consequences.  We still have piles of debris littering curbsides and right of ways, and we suffer intermittent power outages as the rushed repairs begin to fail.  Luckily, none of these outages have outlasted my backup batteries, thus far.

Hurricane season isn't over yet, so there may be additional lessons to learn this year yet.  I know I have replenished my own Emergency Kit, culling items and adding new ones, applying all the lessons Irma taught me, most of which I've shared in this series.  Should we be hit again, I'll share what I learn, once again. 

Until that time, this Blog will return to its regularly scheduled programming. We'll resume our Smart Home Series, as well as publish other reviews, news, tips, and blogging advice. And our focus will return to technology of all types.  

If you've enjoyed this series, I hope you'll join us for future articles.  Again, you can subscribe to this blog, follow us on Social Media, or use your favorite RSS Feed tool to be notified when new articles are published. And we always welcome reader feedback. Please share your feedback via the comments section below or via Social Media.  And as always, thank you for reading.