Food for disaster preparedness

[johnh]

Gang,

I need to get something done in terms of food for disaster preparedness. For starters I am in tornado alley, so this is always a strong possibility. I also would like to better prepare for more extreme situations. Any of you buying the long-term storage items, what are you getting and where are you buying it? Any input would be welcomed.

Thanks!

John

[chrish]

been contemplating too. the radio ads and personalities are hot on the foodinsurance wares, but i've also stumbled across tomorrowsharvest which is a clearing house for a couple of brands, some of which i already know are good and tasty from my backpacking career on the AT in years past.

but yea, hoping to have some stored, but definitely not a 'prepper' in that regard...if i had 30-90 days stuck back, i'd be content. that's what i'm working toward.

[kb2wji]

I planned ahead. I've got a folder full of take-out menu's. That way I have the variety I want, plus I dont waste valuable storage space in my fallout shelter (aka "laundry room")

[TheTman]

I've been buying my rice and dried beans at Dollar General, bought a 10 lb bag of rice there for not much $$$. Beans are cheap too. I need to get some canned meat, that I'll use in normal cooking, like canned chicken which I often use to whip up a quick batch of Chicken n Noodles. DG also has inexpensive tupperware for storage once you open the bags and will keep insects out of it. When I go shopping I try and add 1 or 2 things for the survival closet. I look for items with a long shelf life, canned goods are good if you keep em rotated so you use up the oldest first.

[wyntrout]

I haven't gotten in to long-term stocking of food. I just buy some canned stuff to have on hand. I just bought some fruit cups for variety and chose the brand & size with the longest purchase by date or whatever.

Some MRE's are good and don't require copious amounts of water and heat to make edible, as all of that freeze-dried stuff does. It depends on the length of time you want to prepare to cope with.

For the immediate future, I'm just thinking of stuff we can eat right out of the can with little or no warming. A good "disaster preparation" book can give you particulars and some are more authoritative than just asking any Yahoo as we.

We bought some books:

"How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times"
James Wesley Rawles; Paperback; $11.56 Amazon.com

Disaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms [Paperback]

Dr. Arthur T Bradley (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&ie=UTF8&field-author=Dr.%20Arthur%20T%20Bradley) (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars (http://www.amazon.com/Disaster-Preparedness-Attacks-Solar-Storms/product-reviews/1469941554/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1) See all reviews (http://www.amazon.com/Disaster-Preparedness-Attacks-Solar-Storms/product-reviews/1469941554/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)(11 customer reviews (http://www.amazon.com/Disaster-Preparedness-Attacks-Solar-Storms/product-reviews/1469941554/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)) | Like (http://www.amazon.com/gp/like/external/submit.html/ref=pd_like_submit_like_unrec_nojs_dp?ie=UTF8&itemType=asin&redirect=1&redirectPath=%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F1469941554%3Fref%25 5F%3Dpe%255F175190%255F21431760%255FB%255Fcs%255Fs ce%255Fdp%255Fi1&itemId=1469941554&action=like&context=dp) (13)
List Price: $13.50 Price: $12.15 http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/marketing/prime/check-prime-45x13._V192552839_.gif
It's pretty discouraging but informative reading these books. You wouldn't believe the considerations given to the lists of lists!

My biggest worry is if the SHTF... really... we won't last long with just the two of us and our house being poorly constructed and located for defense. I am going to buy some more surveillance gear(battery-powered, or capable of 12-volt power) and protect it from EMP to help us keep up with intrusions or threats. Food is nice, but security is more important... and our life may be limited to hours as the "cockroaches" spread out looking for stuff to "share". Any visible light at night, cooking smells, or signs of habitation and having "stuff" will attract the "cockroaches."

Anyhow, there are online sites by these two authors and many others where you can START getting information... overwhelming information!

Wynn:)

[Scoundrel]

I bought this bucket:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11622359&search=emergency+food&Mo=47&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=emergency+food&Ntt=emergency+food&No=24&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

...and I am considering buying this kit:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11621995&search=emergency+food+supply&Mo=47&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=emergency+food+supply&Ntt=emergency+food+supply&No=2&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

The first one has a 20 year shelf life and is very portable which can be useful for short bug-out scenarios. It needs water and supplemental foods, of course, but it's a great start. I've opened one of the "Italian Tomato Pasta" packets and had it for dinner. It was pretty salty, but edible. If I'm huddling around a campfire with my raincoat on and a disaster going on, it'll probably taste pretty good.

The second one is more complete with water storage and tools/recipes, but has a lower shelf life. Some of its items have a very long shelf life, some are shorter. It's a good kit for getting started, and then you can replace individual items as they expire. You'll need a good tracking system to keep track of expirations.

[Barth]

I don't have anything like that.
My first thought would be military style MRE?
http://www.thereadystore.com/mre?gclid=CL2NjYzEj68CFQfe4AodTy2rzw

[wyntrout]

I bought four 4-lb boxes of iodized table salt(.95 each) and a GoalZero Solar Charging kit($99.99) at Costco yesterday. I thought I would go online and order some more of the little battery charger/packs, but they're $60 each!:eek:

The solar charging kit will power or charge AAA and AA batteries... comes with 4 of each... and things like small electronics that use those or USB regular/mini plugs and even has a 12-volt cigarette plugs adapter. The $100 kit at Costco would run you $200 or more ONLINE after you add on all of the stuff in their kit. It will keep radios and cell phones, etc. going, if it survives EMP or Solar Flares. I'll store mine wrapped in tinfoil in an ammo can lined with cardboard as an insulator.

Just rambling on more than food, but food is only ONE of MANY things to consider.
Just adding a few things at a time. I think we have about a months supply of food on hand... at least! I buy a lot of stuff at Costco in large quantities, such as my cereal, coffeemate, and Raw Sugar... 6-lb bags.

I did buy a "whole house water filter" for using my irrigation well water... 732 ft deep and artesian flow at about 2 gallons a minute. I still need a carbon block filter for using that for our consumption.

Just rambling on more than food, but food is only ONE of MANY things to consider.

After you check online or one of those books, you'll be overwhelmed at all of the possible things to worry about. You have to choose some level that you willing to support and get started.:D

Wynn:)

[wyntrout]

The two authors suggest having stuff on hand in quantities to share... like some food, water purification chemicals, salt, and things that will help others... charity. But there's a good thought behind that... giving them something, rather than turning everyone away, might keep them from assaulting you and taking everything you have.:eek:

Wynn:)

[Tinman507]

Most definitely want to have one or more of these things. I use one for backpacking etc.

http://s3.backcountry.com/900/CAS/CAS0479/CAS0479-CE.jpg (http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/expedition-water-treatment-and-hydration/miniworks-ex-microfilter/product)

[jocko]

oh yea gotta have one of those fockers. WTF is it???? Looks like something I seen in my doctors officer before my colonosphy. U ain't a doctor are u??? I always pictured u as a sheepherder living n those covered wagons with your dog "clyde" and carving in apen trees,, airplanes as they fly over u. Just sayin.

[wyntrout]

If you run across a reference to the Seagull IV water filter in your searches... that runs $500-$600! And each filter is $60 or MORE.

Wynn:)

[Tinman507]

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/0904/the-proctologist-demotivational-poster-1240075970.jpg

[Tinman507]

If you run across a reference to the Seagull IV water filter in your searches... that runs $500-$600! And each filter is $60 or MORE.

Wynn:)

The MSR is damned near idiot proof. Only need a Scotchbrite pad to keep it going. It'll fill up a Nalgene bottle in a few seconds. When the SHTF, water purification plants will be down. Bad water is what's gonna collapse society when typhoid begins, etc.

[wyntrout]

Costco had a Steri-Pen(?) for $50... battery powered UV swizzle stick thingy that sterilizes the bacteria in a bottle so that they can NOT reproduce, but, DANG! You still drink them!

Got to git cookin'!

Wynn:)

[jocko]

typhoid. I had more in mind syphllis or clap would bring this world down. Just sayin

[carkarrier]

Gang,

I need to get something done in terms of food for disaster preparedness. For starters I am in tornado alley, so this is always a strong possibility. I also would like to better prepare for more extreme situations. Any of you buying the long-term storage items, what are you getting and where are you buying it? Any input would be welcomed.

Thanks!

John
Just a few items I normally keep on hand in S.C. I am sure I left out some, these are off the top of my head:
Canned peaches, pears, mixed fruit cocktail-these have good drinkable liquid and the fruit taste good. Will give you energy and some vitamins.
Canned turnip greens, small irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, veg-all mix, pork and beans, beanie weenies, green beans and peas etc.
Canned treat and spam, beef stew, corned beef, canned chicken, tuna, salmon etc.
Salt and pepper, sweetner packets, instant coffee or coffee pouches.
Most of these can be eaten cold, but a small propane stove can be used to heat, or a campfire if necessary.
I keep some bottle water on hand, but I have an outside source if needed.
Of course I try to rotate and buy the latest expiration dates I can find. I usually expect canned goods to last 1 to 2 years past expiration. Look for bulged cans for disposal.
I also buy the large plastic containers at Dollar Store. Canned goods stack very well and take up minimal space.
P.S. Don't forget some canned dog or cat food if you have critters in the house.
These are only a few samples, Others can also enlighten you. Have fun!!

[carkarrier]

Whoops, forgot to add a couple of good hand operated can openers for non pop top cans. Using a knife could be fun, but not necessary.

[Ubaldo99]

Havent done anything as yet, but have been considering purchasing some MRE-type food packages from CheaperThanDirt, probably a 2-3 week supply, as well as some cases of bottled water, and a home medical kit. Estimate total cost to be around $400-$500.

[wyntrout]

Well, I think that I'll go see if I had any return on my investment in the Mega Millions jackpot.

Wynn:)

[rholmes69]

http://wisefoodstorage.com/

Have about a 6 month supply from them. The food is good, not great, and all soy based (no, that isn't real chicken in the alfredo, but it sure tastes like it!). They will also send you a sample package to try. You can find them on ebay too for a little cheaper than the website. Their "survival bag" doesn't have high quality hardware, but for a 2 week scenario, it would fit the bill perfectly. My kids like the food and it is easy to cook. One entree package easily feeds four adults. Their breakfast foods are great, but we went heavy on the entrees and only got a few of the breakfast buckets. Hope that helps...

EDIT** Just saw that they have added some freeze dried meat, veggies and fruits. That is new since we ordered our supplies last year. I'll have to try them out...

[wyntrout]

WAH! No luck on the big one: 2 - 4 - 23 - 38 - 46 Mega Ball: 23. Multiplier? Immaterial to me. :(

Just one F5 ticket on the state stuff.

I have tickets for the next BIG one... or the start over... whatever!

Wynn:(

[knkali]

Foodinsurance dot com

Has it all water treatment, food, stove, bug out bags, everything. Chk it out.

[johnh]

Fantastic advice guys! That makes my searches must simpler. I have really focused on security over the years being a gun guy. Not just the actual firearms, but also ammo, reloading, training, all sorts of related gear. It has become apparent to me as I research likely scenarios that this was terribly one sided. It is unrealistic to assume that with security you can obtain the missing items. At best that is a recipe for putting oneself in a confrontational environment when it does not have to be so.

I thought I would next move to food and water since there is no survival without either. Both of these items also help in a tornado situation. The terrible disaster in Joplin, Missouri, showed us that the scale of such devastation can be much greater than many of us in tornado country had previously experienced.

Then on to other things. I don't want to be an episode of Doomsday Preppers, but I would like to be more prepared than I am. You never know, and I have a family expecting me to have all these answers.. :)

[yqtszhj]

Make sure when shopping to keep an eye on the calories per serving on anything that you look at. If they are saying a meal is less than 300 calories, even with 3 meals per day you're at less than 1000 calories per day which will slowly starve you to if it's long term. I lived overseas for a while and there was a time food was limited. After 4 months of rice and a little meat daily I had lost almost 40 lbs which I didn't really have to lose. For short term survival it's fine though.

I would suggest to plan on 1500 to 2000 calories per day per person for the period of time you want to prepare for. It may be overkill but at worse you'll have too much food which is better than not enough for the time you are planning to need it. If there is a fuel shortage you will need the extra calories for the extra manual labor required.

[Scoundrel]

One of the reviews on the food supply I linked above at Costco has this to say:

"Some kits supply 2000 calories/day with a lot of sugar or corn sweetner, particularly in the chocolate, apple, peach, and orange drinks. Just be aware where the calories are coming from. This supply is nice because the calories and nutrition come from actual food and is a nice assortment of things most people will eat. Some kits are heavy on dry bean and wheat, which is good nutritionally and cheap, but will be a challenge to happily eat everyday."

[yqtszhj]

Yep, what Scoundrel just said.

[QuercusMax]

I (my wife, mostly) tend to grow a lot of what we eat, and store it away in a real root cellar that remains in the low 50's year-round. I did not realize how many types of fresh food will last a really long time without refrigeration if treated properly.

She's into this a lot more than I am - I guess that makes us a team - but I really do see the value in being as self-sufficient as possible. I expect we'll have chickens and some other livestock soon to add to the cattle. We're already self-sufficient with heat; we don't need A/C here in the mountains; water runs naturally in the springs; my LP-powered generator will last for a long time if the grid fails; and game is plentiful here - mule deer especially.

I realize that 1800's-style self-sufficiency is not practical or even possible in modern urban society today, but has been a major motivation for moving to the boondocks as I have.

It's really hard "prepping" for anything when you have lots of neighbors nearby, who might want to you to "share" in what you have put aside. Ammo is only one of many things they might like.

Seriously though, I don't expect to need any of this, which is for quality of life, not its continuation under dire circumstances.

If you want to consider real threats that are much more likely to affect our lives, think about what impact China's economic rise will have on your children and grandchildren - that's a real threat!

[johnh]

Amen to that! I really worry about their chances of having the quality of life we did.