Prudent Pantry: Are You Prepared For Winter?

It’s almost wintertime here in Vermont and that means it’s time to stock up on emergency provisions. Winter can mean snowstorms, power outages and snow-covered roads. Disaster preparedness experts suggest you have a week’s worth of food and beverages on hand in case a storm knocks out electricity and contaminates tap water. We have a well so our water is fine as long as we have electricity to use the well pump! You can keep your storm supplies boxed and separate from your regular pantry goods. It’s one less thing to worry about if you needed to evacuate. I don’t worry so much about being evacuated but it’s still a good idea to take stock of our storm supplies.

Your storm supplies could also be used for a hurricane or other natural disaster such as flooding.

Before you shop here are a few points to consider.

◊ Family size: buy meal or individual size portions to minimize waste.

◊ Family Preference: there’s no sense in buying things that nobody will eat!

◊ Cooking Facilities: a gas stove or grill can be a godsend during a power outage; if you don’t have one you might want to invest in a small camp stove.

Here are some supplies to consider as you make your shopping list:

♦ Bottled water: 12 gallon per person per day.
♦ Shelf stable milk.
♦ Fruit and vegetables juices.
♦ Instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate and soft drink mixes.
♦ Powdered or evaporated milk for cooking.
♦ Soups, stews and chili.
♦ Canned tuna, salmon, clams and other seafood.
♦ Canned chicken and ham.
♦ Favorite vegetables.
♦ Favorite fruits (choose juice over syrup packed)
♦ Beans
♦ Spaghetti sauce
♦ Peanut or almond butter
♦ Cold cereals
♦ Instant oatmeal, grits, rice and potatoes
♦ Dried Fruits
♦ Pasta
♦ Crackers and snack foods
♦ Shelf stable pudding and gelatin
♦ Ketchup and salsa
♦ Worcestershire, soy and hot pepper sauces
♦ Bouillon cubes
♦ Plastic garbage bags
♦ Disposable plates, cups, bowls and cutlery
♦ Paper Towels
And don’t forget a can opener.