Protect food from rodents and insects.Store food away from petroleum products, such as gasoline, oil, paints, and solvents.Heat causes many foods to spoil more quickly. Store foods away from ranges or refrigerator exhausts.The ideal location is a cool, dry, dark place. Use and replace food before its expiration date.Ĭertain storage conditions can enhance the shelf life of canned or dried foods.Home-canned food usually needs to be thrown out after a year. Check the expiration dates on canned foods and dry mixes.When storing food, it is not necessary to buy dehydrated or other types of emergency food. Are not very salty or spicy, as these foods increase the need for drinking water, which may be in short supplyįor a list of suggested emergency food supplies visit.Meet the needs of infants or other family members who are on special diets.Require little or no cooking, water, or refrigeration, in case utilities are disrupted.Download full-resolution infographic Before a Disaster or Emergency Prepare an Emergency Food SupplyĪ disaster can disrupt the food supply, so plan to have at least a 3-day supply of food on hand.
