Snack foods in your 72 hour kits are very important, not only for your physical well-being but also for your mental well-being. Granola bars are great and there are so many varieties that you have lots of choices. Remember though, that you may be dealing with intense heat in the summer which may melt chocolate so keep that in mind when choosing. Also remember we will rotate the food out of the packs every 6 months, including the snacks, so if you want to choose chocolate for the winter months and something else for summer that is doable.
Nuts and crackers are also a great choice. Just keep in mind that eating salty foods will make you thirstier. There are options for cheese and cracker or cheese that do not require refrigeration.
Protein powder is a good thing to have in a stressful situation but you will need to keep in mind that you need something to mix it in. Also, if you are familiar with the Emergen-C packets, you know they are a good source of vitamins and minerals and also pack a little energy punch.
Dried fruit and jerky are also great options as is trail mix. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, you can save money by purchasing the larger sizes and making your own vacuum sealed individual size servings. I think this is a great way to not only save a little money but also to have the snacks divided into different packs so kids (or adults) aren’t tempted to eat tomorrows snacks today.
Hard candy is always a morale booster but remember it will melt. Make sure it is packed in either vacuum sealed bags or Ziploc bags and kept separately from everything else. No one needs a huge sticky mess on top of an already stressful situation.
Other ideas: pepperoni sticks are fun and different and as long as they are rotated out and the packs are kept in a cool place, they will store well. The same goes for dry cereal. If you can vacuum seal it, there are many options to choose from. As you shop around, you will notice many other items that would be easy to pack and a fun snack in a tough situation. Just make sure when you are choosing, that you avoid any greasy, extra fatty foods that would go rancid or spoil.
One of the best things you can do as you plan your kits is to make a menu for these three days. As you write things on paper, it’s easier to see what you have, how filling it is, if it is empty calories and more. You can put your food kits together on paper first, and see exactly what you need to add or subtract.
Below are some suggestions to include for snacks in your pack. I’m sure you can come up with more on your own. Just a tip here; if you are choosing chewing gum, mints etc. that is peppermint or has a strong smell, remember if they are not wrapped well or separated from other foods, all your food will taste like peppermint. I do think that chewing gum may be one of the best options you can choose for your kits. It helps with hunger, helps thirst and makes you feel fuller. You may want to put plenty in your packs.
Remember you probably want at least 2 snacks per day, maybe three. The days can be pretty long if you are away from home and in a tough situation. If you have any great snack options you’d like to tell us about, we’d love to hear.
Snack Options:
Protein powder
Granola bars
Dried fruits (Apples, bananas, blueberries, etc.)
Trail Mix
Nuts
Crackers and cheese
Jerky
Chewing gum
Peanut butter
Hard candy or suckers
Gummy candies
Fruit snacks
Laughing cow cheese wedges (do not require refrigeration)
Raisins or craisins
Packets of Emergen-C
Larabars
Rice cakes
Fruit roll-ups
Any protein bars
Snack pack size cereal boxes or vacuum sealed cheerios or chex cereal
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
I hope you have decided what kind of food you are going to put in your kit; foods that need to be cooked or heated to be prepared or the basic foods-to-sustain-life supplies. I will list a few suggestions which hopefully will spark other ideas as well as you put your kits together. Choose one main food (like canned meat) and another food to go with it (such as canned soup or fruit or a granola bar or jerky) for each person for lunch and another for dinner for three days – that’s 6 lunch and dinner meals for each person’s kit. As you decide which foods to gather, think about the protein content, the calories and how filling it will be if that is all there is to eat. Also remember to make sure it is something your family will eat.
One thing to remember is that this is a survival kit. You will want to be comfortable but not extravagant. The food you place in here, due to its convenience, will cost more than you desire to spend, however, you can keep the cost very reasonable. Below are some suggestions. Choose carefully, trying to put mostly the same things in each person’s pack except for young children or those with special dietary needs.
Canned albacore tuna (solid pack)
Saltine Crackers
Canned chicken
Corned Beef Hash
Soup-for-One
Roast Beef Hash
Beef Stew
Chili
Ravioli
A Jar of peanut butter
Vienna Sausages
Cheese & Crackers
Oyster Crackers
Dried Beef
Fruit Cups
Applesauce Cups
Pudding Cups
Bread Sticks
Cookies
Canned Milk
Powdered Milk
Fruit Rolls
Fun Fruits
Beef Jerky
Packages of Raisins
Packages of Peanuts
Granola Bars
Beef Sticks
Box Juices
One thing to remember is that this is a survival kit. You will want to be comfortable but not extravagant. The food you place in here, due to its convenience, will cost more than you desire to spend, however, you can keep the cost very reasonable. Below are some suggestions. Choose carefully, trying to put mostly the same things in each person’s pack except for young children or those with special dietary needs.
Canned albacore tuna (solid pack)
Saltine Crackers
Canned chicken
Corned Beef Hash
Soup-for-One
Roast Beef Hash
Beef Stew
Chili
Ravioli
A Jar of peanut butter
Vienna Sausages
Cheese & Crackers
Oyster Crackers
Dried Beef
Fruit Cups
Applesauce Cups
Pudding Cups
Bread Sticks
Cookies
Canned Milk
Powdered Milk
Fruit Rolls
Fun Fruits
Beef Jerky
Packages of Raisins
Packages of Peanuts
Granola Bars
Beef Sticks
Box Juices
Meals: Breakfast
One of the most essential items in your kit is the food. We’ll work on one meal at a time starting with 3 breakfast meals for each person. To prepare the breakfasts for everyone this week you’ll need, individual bags, a can opener for each person (more on this later), and the food for breakfasts for each person.
First, don’t pack things your kids don’t like, won’t eat or have never had before. During a time of stress is no time to try new or unusual things or be forced to eat something you don’t like.
Second, and this is a big one, consider the nutritional value. Not so much if there is too much fat or sugar, but the amount of calories for each person. You must have the recommended amount of calories for each person, each day to maintain strength and good mental attitude.
Third, do you want to be forced to cook your meals? The first kits I ever put together contained oatmeal packets, hot chocolate packets, instant soup, and several other meals that required not only cooking but water to prepare. Consider how much water you will have with you. Not only that, but will you be able to build a fire to heat the water or cook the food? My thinking is that I would rather have things that don’t have to be heated or cooked, in case there is no firewood or it’s too wet to build a fire. Of course, if you have to build a fire for heat, then cooking your food would not be a problem. You have to consider the best options for you.
Forth, I think that in addition to the foods for meals, snack foods may be very essential especially to keep everyone’s spirits up and moods elevated. We’ll do a separate post on snacks.
Fifth and finally, remember that any food you pack in your kits will need to be rotated every 6 months at the most. Make a note on each kit of the date when it will be time to rotate the food. Remember not to include any food in your kit that will not still be good in 6 months.
I’m going to list some foods that you may want to consider for breakfast foods. Remember, when you gather your foods, get enough for 3 breakfasts for each person and seal them in bags. Remember to consider the suggestions above as you choose each person’s personal food. Also, make sure to include enough food for each person. I think that the recommendation of some kit lists suggesting a granola bar for breakfast is not enough. Take this into consideration when you prepare your kits. Combine several of the choice below or add your own items to make a sufficient size meal for everyone.
Note: if you choose canned foods without a pop-top then you need to include a can-opener.
Just a note about where to purchase the food for your kits. You'll want snack size cans of juice or fruit, but some things, like little boxes of raisins and granola bars can be bought in bulk at Sam's or Costco. As you are shopping, notice the things that are available in bulk. It may give you more ideas. Also be careful as you buy that the things you purchase won't leak in your kit; especially if they are packed tightly. You can consider this when choosing small cans of juice or juice boxes or packets.
Snack pack Cereal with powdered milk
(Cereal can also be eaten dry as a snack)
Instant oatmeal
Granola Bar
Fruit roll or fruit snacks
Dried fruit such as apple slices, raisins or banana chips
Boxes or small cans of fruit juice
Fruit cups or small cans of fruit
Cans of fruit or Applesauce cups
Hot chocolate packets with water
Beef sticks or jerky (yes, even for breakfast)
Just one last thought; I know many people prefer to use the MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) packs in their kits. This is great. My only suggestion is that you buy some and eat them before you put them in your kit. You may find that young children will think they are strange or unusual and will refuse to eat them. This is a great option if it is what you decided to do. Just make sure you know beforehand what you are getting and how to heat them (if they have to be heated) as well as making sure everyone will eat them.
If anyone has any other suggestions or things you have done in your kits, leave a comment, we'd love to hear your ideas.
First, don’t pack things your kids don’t like, won’t eat or have never had before. During a time of stress is no time to try new or unusual things or be forced to eat something you don’t like.
Second, and this is a big one, consider the nutritional value. Not so much if there is too much fat or sugar, but the amount of calories for each person. You must have the recommended amount of calories for each person, each day to maintain strength and good mental attitude.
Third, do you want to be forced to cook your meals? The first kits I ever put together contained oatmeal packets, hot chocolate packets, instant soup, and several other meals that required not only cooking but water to prepare. Consider how much water you will have with you. Not only that, but will you be able to build a fire to heat the water or cook the food? My thinking is that I would rather have things that don’t have to be heated or cooked, in case there is no firewood or it’s too wet to build a fire. Of course, if you have to build a fire for heat, then cooking your food would not be a problem. You have to consider the best options for you.
Forth, I think that in addition to the foods for meals, snack foods may be very essential especially to keep everyone’s spirits up and moods elevated. We’ll do a separate post on snacks.
Fifth and finally, remember that any food you pack in your kits will need to be rotated every 6 months at the most. Make a note on each kit of the date when it will be time to rotate the food. Remember not to include any food in your kit that will not still be good in 6 months.
I’m going to list some foods that you may want to consider for breakfast foods. Remember, when you gather your foods, get enough for 3 breakfasts for each person and seal them in bags. Remember to consider the suggestions above as you choose each person’s personal food. Also, make sure to include enough food for each person. I think that the recommendation of some kit lists suggesting a granola bar for breakfast is not enough. Take this into consideration when you prepare your kits. Combine several of the choice below or add your own items to make a sufficient size meal for everyone.
Note: if you choose canned foods without a pop-top then you need to include a can-opener.
Just a note about where to purchase the food for your kits. You'll want snack size cans of juice or fruit, but some things, like little boxes of raisins and granola bars can be bought in bulk at Sam's or Costco. As you are shopping, notice the things that are available in bulk. It may give you more ideas. Also be careful as you buy that the things you purchase won't leak in your kit; especially if they are packed tightly. You can consider this when choosing small cans of juice or juice boxes or packets.
Snack pack Cereal with powdered milk
(Cereal can also be eaten dry as a snack)
Instant oatmeal
Granola Bar
Fruit roll or fruit snacks
Dried fruit such as apple slices, raisins or banana chips
Boxes or small cans of fruit juice
Fruit cups or small cans of fruit
Cans of fruit or Applesauce cups
Hot chocolate packets with water
Beef sticks or jerky (yes, even for breakfast)
Just one last thought; I know many people prefer to use the MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) packs in their kits. This is great. My only suggestion is that you buy some and eat them before you put them in your kit. You may find that young children will think they are strange or unusual and will refuse to eat them. This is a great option if it is what you decided to do. Just make sure you know beforehand what you are getting and how to heat them (if they have to be heated) as well as making sure everyone will eat them.
If anyone has any other suggestions or things you have done in your kits, leave a comment, we'd love to hear your ideas.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Food Prep: Cook?
Before getting into what foods to consider for your meals you need to decide if you are going to include just basic meals that require no cooking, such as granola bars, tuna, beanie weenies etc or if you want to purchase something to heat with. There are several different types of heating units available such as a wing stove or a flat fold stove. These range in price from about $5 up. You could get by with one stove per family, however, if you have many mouths to feed it would be a good idea to have one per person or at a minimum 1 for every 2 people. Then you will also need to buy the fuel cells or fuel tablets for each. If you have a large family you can invest quite a bit of money. However it may turn out to be very important to your family’s survival. You need to decide what you want to do. While just starting out as couples or with a baby you obviously will not need anything extensive, but you should have something!
If your family is avid campers, chances are you already have a camp stove. If this is what you choose to use in an emergency, make sure it is in a place that is easily accessible, that you will be able to take it with you in a hurry if needs be, and that you have plenty of fuel on hand to use it.
If you are interested in purchasing a stove or heating unit, check out Emergency Essentials or amazon.com on the web. Other preparedness suppliers also have these stoves. I know that in some areas Wal-Mart also carries with wing stoves in their camping section. As you decide which route you want to go, you can plan your food accordingly. A little bit about some different types of stoves:
The Flat fold stove folds flat for easy storage. Easy setup in seconds; it is a great little stove that folds up to less than 1/2" thick. Using canned camp heat as fuel. It will hold an aluminum pot to boil water. You can use it to make 16 oz. of water hot enough for hot chocolate or oatmeal, or to heat freeze dried pouches in 12 min. The 4 oz camp heat will last up to 4 hours. This is a well made, sturdy product that delivers. This is a good survival stove too. So if this interests you figure out how many cans of fuel you would need for your family for 3 days and how many stoves you would have to buy. There are a couple of different makes of the flat fold stoves. One uses the cans of fuel while another uses the fuel bars. Either works great.
The Wing Stove is a little harder to find these days, although it is still available. It is around $3 and uses fuel bars and it too will support a pot for cooking or boiling water.
The portable butane stove is a little more expensive, a little more sturdy and uses a can of butane fuel. Most come with a carrying case which is very handy. It is a good way to cook your meals if you want to invest the money. However, the price is still around $15 for some brands of this stove. The cans for fuel are a little more expensive but again, they last a little longer than other cans. Check these stoves out too if you like.
The MRE Heater is a little bag designed specifically for heating MRE entrees. It is self-contained, and all you need is water (or any liquid for that matter)! It is an aluminum-lined polyethylene bag with a magnesium-combination filler at the bottom of the pouch. These heaters are perfect for heating entrees, and with how hot they get I’d say you might even be able to stretch it for 2 entrees or your side dish!
If this is the route you want to go, you can do anything you want as far as meals go. Heating the food won’t be a problem. Those who believe nothing will ever happen will either not put a kit together or it will be filled with granola bars and empty calorie foods. Good food for thought.
If your family is avid campers, chances are you already have a camp stove. If this is what you choose to use in an emergency, make sure it is in a place that is easily accessible, that you will be able to take it with you in a hurry if needs be, and that you have plenty of fuel on hand to use it.
If you are interested in purchasing a stove or heating unit, check out Emergency Essentials or amazon.com on the web. Other preparedness suppliers also have these stoves. I know that in some areas Wal-Mart also carries with wing stoves in their camping section. As you decide which route you want to go, you can plan your food accordingly. A little bit about some different types of stoves:
The Flat fold stove folds flat for easy storage. Easy setup in seconds; it is a great little stove that folds up to less than 1/2" thick. Using canned camp heat as fuel. It will hold an aluminum pot to boil water. You can use it to make 16 oz. of water hot enough for hot chocolate or oatmeal, or to heat freeze dried pouches in 12 min. The 4 oz camp heat will last up to 4 hours. This is a well made, sturdy product that delivers. This is a good survival stove too. So if this interests you figure out how many cans of fuel you would need for your family for 3 days and how many stoves you would have to buy. There are a couple of different makes of the flat fold stoves. One uses the cans of fuel while another uses the fuel bars. Either works great.
The Wing Stove is a little harder to find these days, although it is still available. It is around $3 and uses fuel bars and it too will support a pot for cooking or boiling water.
The portable butane stove is a little more expensive, a little more sturdy and uses a can of butane fuel. Most come with a carrying case which is very handy. It is a good way to cook your meals if you want to invest the money. However, the price is still around $15 for some brands of this stove. The cans for fuel are a little more expensive but again, they last a little longer than other cans. Check these stoves out too if you like.
The MRE Heater is a little bag designed specifically for heating MRE entrees. It is self-contained, and all you need is water (or any liquid for that matter)! It is an aluminum-lined polyethylene bag with a magnesium-combination filler at the bottom of the pouch. These heaters are perfect for heating entrees, and with how hot they get I’d say you might even be able to stretch it for 2 entrees or your side dish!
If this is the route you want to go, you can do anything you want as far as meals go. Heating the food won’t be a problem. Those who believe nothing will ever happen will either not put a kit together or it will be filled with granola bars and empty calorie foods. Good food for thought.
Radio
Another suggested item for your 72-hour kits is one small hand crank radio. These range in price from about $15 up to $50 or more. You just need a way to know what is going on in the event of a widespread emergency. You cannot plan on having access to a car radio in the event of an emergency as you may not have your car with you. It is always possible, depending on the type of emergency that you may be separated from others or even stranded with others who are not prepared.
A battery-powered or hand crank radio is helpful in monitoring the status of the disaster. Be sure to keep a fresh supply of batteries on hand. Check expiration dates on the batteries and rotate them regularly. Do not keep batteries inside the radio because they expire more quickly and may leak. When charged, most cell phones are able to call 9-1-1 even when they are not active. It is wise to have a cell phone (even not activated) when traveling or for emergency use. However, do not totally depend on Cell Phones. If towers are damaged they may be useless.
Emergency Essentials has a good selection of different radios with everything from a basic hand crank AM/FM radio to wavelength emergency radios which include a flashlight, charger for your cell phone depending on what you want and how much you want to spend.
If you have a transistor radio that uses batteries that is okay too; just make sure to start with good strong batteries (not stored in the radio) and to rotate the batteries with fresh ones every 6 months. If there is a chance you will forget to rotate the batteries, you are better off using a crank radio.
A battery-powered or hand crank radio is helpful in monitoring the status of the disaster. Be sure to keep a fresh supply of batteries on hand. Check expiration dates on the batteries and rotate them regularly. Do not keep batteries inside the radio because they expire more quickly and may leak. When charged, most cell phones are able to call 9-1-1 even when they are not active. It is wise to have a cell phone (even not activated) when traveling or for emergency use. However, do not totally depend on Cell Phones. If towers are damaged they may be useless.
Emergency Essentials has a good selection of different radios with everything from a basic hand crank AM/FM radio to wavelength emergency radios which include a flashlight, charger for your cell phone depending on what you want and how much you want to spend.
If you have a transistor radio that uses batteries that is okay too; just make sure to start with good strong batteries (not stored in the radio) and to rotate the batteries with fresh ones every 6 months. If there is a chance you will forget to rotate the batteries, you are better off using a crank radio.
First Aid
Something important for 72-hour emergency is a first-aid kit.
First of all remember this is just a small kit for your backpack. I do believe each person should have their own small kit with just the basics: band-aids, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, gauze and tape, some alcohol pads and maybe a triangular bandage (be sure everyone knows how to use them if you are going to give each person one!). Here is one suggestion that I really like; make a small kit for each child in your family (obviously not if you have very small children, but for future knowledge it is something to consider) with the above listed items or any items that you see fit. If you wish a basic small kit can be purchased already put together with just the minimum items.
One of the adults should have a more extensive kit which includes things like small scissors, safety pins, triangular bandages (if they are not included in individual kits), a more extensive assortment of band-aids including butterfly bandages for more serious cuts, Rubbing alcohol or alcohol pads, burn ointment, elastic bandage or wrap, calamine lotion, knife, soap, thermometer, fever reducing tablets (Tylenol) adult or child, Ibuprophen (for aches and pains), and matches. The contents of each kit will depend on the ages and number of family members. Your kit needs to be personalized to your needs - that includes personal medications.
First of all remember this is just a small kit for your backpack. I do believe each person should have their own small kit with just the basics: band-aids, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, gauze and tape, some alcohol pads and maybe a triangular bandage (be sure everyone knows how to use them if you are going to give each person one!). Here is one suggestion that I really like; make a small kit for each child in your family (obviously not if you have very small children, but for future knowledge it is something to consider) with the above listed items or any items that you see fit. If you wish a basic small kit can be purchased already put together with just the minimum items.
One of the adults should have a more extensive kit which includes things like small scissors, safety pins, triangular bandages (if they are not included in individual kits), a more extensive assortment of band-aids including butterfly bandages for more serious cuts, Rubbing alcohol or alcohol pads, burn ointment, elastic bandage or wrap, calamine lotion, knife, soap, thermometer, fever reducing tablets (Tylenol) adult or child, Ibuprophen (for aches and pains), and matches. The contents of each kit will depend on the ages and number of family members. Your kit needs to be personalized to your needs - that includes personal medications.
Monday, February 6, 2012
72 Hour Kits: Personal Items
Today we are going to add some personal items. Gather personal feminine products for any females in your family and also a roll of toilet paper for each kit. These should be stored in Ziploc bags to keep them dry. Get one roll of toilet paper for each member of your family. The rolls can be smashed flat to fit in your kits better. These will be invaluable if you need to use your kits; one thing you DON’T want to be without.
There is so much talk about things that could possibly happen – earthquakes, floods, shortages, astrological events etc and I realize more than ever now how important 72-hour kits are. I realize that having to evacuate your home at a moment’s notice could happen to anyone. 72-hour kits are the very best way to be prepared and avoid panic if that happens. I can guarantee that if your kits are ready to go (in a place where they can be grabbed in an instant– along with any other emergency supplies you need) you really will sleep better at night.
I read the experience of a woman who had felt for a long time that she needed to get her kits made and everything in order but kept putting it off. Her family did have to leave in the middle of the night because of rising waters in a river nearby and she said, “I stood there in the middle of my kitchen thinking ‘what should I take’ and crying because I knew I had been having these feelings for a reason and had done nothing about it. I felt so guilty.” Her family survived fine but her home was flooded and it took months for things to get back to normal. She did state though, that after they were home again, the first thing she did, even before starting to clean the mud from her basement was order the things for 72-hour kits.
These are the things we have put together so far:
Backpacks, rolling suitcases, trash cans, buckets or other containers
A Flashlight for each person – light sticks if desired too
A change of clothes for each person
Medication
Cash
Ziploc baggies
Sleeping bags or bed rolls
Individual first-aid kits
Small hand crank radio
Tools – folding shovel, hatchet or axe, etc.
Foods for breakfasts for 3 days per person
Foods for lunch and dinner for 3 days per person
Necessary folding stoves to heat food if desired
Snacks
Drinking water for kits – for drinking, washing and cooking
Feminine Products
A roll of toilet paper for each person’s kit
How are YOUR kits coming?
There is so much talk about things that could possibly happen – earthquakes, floods, shortages, astrological events etc and I realize more than ever now how important 72-hour kits are. I realize that having to evacuate your home at a moment’s notice could happen to anyone. 72-hour kits are the very best way to be prepared and avoid panic if that happens. I can guarantee that if your kits are ready to go (in a place where they can be grabbed in an instant– along with any other emergency supplies you need) you really will sleep better at night.
I read the experience of a woman who had felt for a long time that she needed to get her kits made and everything in order but kept putting it off. Her family did have to leave in the middle of the night because of rising waters in a river nearby and she said, “I stood there in the middle of my kitchen thinking ‘what should I take’ and crying because I knew I had been having these feelings for a reason and had done nothing about it. I felt so guilty.” Her family survived fine but her home was flooded and it took months for things to get back to normal. She did state though, that after they were home again, the first thing she did, even before starting to clean the mud from her basement was order the things for 72-hour kits.
These are the things we have put together so far:
Backpacks, rolling suitcases, trash cans, buckets or other containers
A Flashlight for each person – light sticks if desired too
A change of clothes for each person
Medication
Cash
Ziploc baggies
Sleeping bags or bed rolls
Individual first-aid kits
Small hand crank radio
Tools – folding shovel, hatchet or axe, etc.
Foods for breakfasts for 3 days per person
Foods for lunch and dinner for 3 days per person
Necessary folding stoves to heat food if desired
Snacks
Drinking water for kits – for drinking, washing and cooking
Feminine Products
A roll of toilet paper for each person’s kit
How are YOUR kits coming?
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