Key Takeaway:
- Emergency survival food is important for colleges to ensure that students have access to food during emergencies such as natural disasters or power outages.
- Canned goods are an essential emergency survival food for colleges due to their long shelf life and versatility. It is important to choose low-sodium options and to have a can opener on hand.
- Dried foods like grains, beans, and pasta are also important emergency survival foods for colleges due to their long shelf life and ease of preparation. These foods can be cooked with minimal equipment and can be used in a variety of recipes.
- Energy bars and snacks are a convenient option for emergency survival food in colleges as they are portable and require no preparation. However, it is important to choose options that are high in protein and low in sugar to provide sustained energy.
- Proper preparation and storage techniques are important for emergency survival foods in colleges. This includes creating a stockpile, proper storage techniques, and rotating supplies to ensure that food stays fresh.
Are you a college student concerned about emergency situations? Then this article is for you. Discover how to equip yourself with the best emergency survival food for when the unexpected or inevitable happens. You won't have to worry about being unprepared anymore!
Essential Emergency Survival Food for Colleges
Unexpected times may arise when food is scarce. It is important to be prepared! The right emergency survival food options for college students are canned goods, dried foods, energy bars, and snacks. They offer essential nutrients and long-term sustenance. This article will discuss the advantages of each type of emergency survival food.
Image credits: emergencypreparedness.page by Adam Woodhock
Canned Goods
Canned survival foods are essential for emergency kits and preppers. They provide an efficient and long-lasting solution in the event of a natural disaster or apocalyptic event. These storage foods consist of grains such as wheat, spelt, khorasan wheat, einkorn, oats, white rice, corn, potato flakes and dehydrated vegetables like onions, carrots, celery. Canned goods also include canned meats, fruits and vegetables, protein bars, fruit bars, dry cereal, granola bars and peanut butter. Adding dried fruits and nuts to your canned goods stash is also a good idea.
Grains | Canned Meats | Canned Fruits |
---|---|---|
Wheat | Tuna | Peaches |
Oats | Salmon | Pears |
Canned Vegetables | ||
Corn | Baked Beans/Bean Soups/etc. |
It's important to note that canned goods should not be your only source of sustenance during an emergency situation. Fresh produce such as apples, citrus fruits, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes including yams and sweet potatoes are must-haves due to their nutritional value. Additionally, added items like hard packaged sausages can last outside the fridge for some time which becomes valuable if you encounter fridge outage.
During emergencies, cooking without electricity becomes a formidable challenge. People with special needs, including those living in flood-prone areas who might require specialized diets and assistance, must prepare emergency foods like high-energy foods such as peanut butter, whole-wheat crackers, nuts and trail mixes. Other important items include cereal, granola bars, power bars and dried fruits which provide essential nutrients such as carbohydrates that are key for survival. Also pasta with pasta sauces along with canned tuna or salmon also make an easy source of nutrition.
One true story worth mentioning is the California wildfires where families lost their homes to flames overnight. The urgency of packing up only important items meant many forgot essential items like non-perishable food which was needed for immediate sustenance after they evacuated.
When it comes to dried foods, remember: they may be shriveled and unappetizing, but at least they won't judge you for eating them straight out of the packet.
Dried Foods
Dried Food is an essential emergency survival food for colleges and universities. These foods provide a long shelf life and can be stored in sealed containers for future emergencies.
- Dried onions, carrots, and celery: A nutritious combination of dried vegetables that can be used to make soups, stews, and other dishes.
- Sugar and honey: Good sources of energy that can be added to hot beverages or used for baking.
- Salt and baking soda: Essential ingredients for cooking and baking purposes.
- Water: The most crucial element required in any emergency situation.
- Can opener: Although not food, a can opener is necessary to access canned goods in case of an emergency.
It is also important to have canned juices and pasteurized milk along with a radio, batteries, flashlight, first aid kit, latex gloves, sterile dressings, adhesive bandages, cleansing agent, soap, antibiotic towelettes, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, eye wash solution, thermometer etc.
However, dried food options like salmon, chicken, turkey, beans, soups, chilli, powdered milk, sugar, salt, multivitamins, cucumbers, summers or winter squash etc. succeed in providing the most desirable longevity than their fresh counterparts which are prone to quick spoilage.
During Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, one college student survived 5 days on baby carrots and peanuts until help arrived as he had no means of procuring anything else.
I may not be a college student, but I sure could use some emergency energy bars to survive my workday.
Energy Bars and Snacks
Energy-Boosting Snacks
For survival situations, college students should keep energy-boosting snacks in their emergency kit. Here are some essential snacks that will help students to stay energized during emergencies.
- Energy Bars – These bars are high in calories and can provide quick energy for the body. Choose bars with a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Dried Fruits – Dried fruits like apricots, figs and raisins can be a great source of vitamins and minerals. They also contain natural sugar which provides immediate energy to the body.
- Nuts – Mixed nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts etc. can give an instant boost of protein and healthy fats which help sustain energy levels throughout the day
- Sunflower Seeds – Sunflower seeds are a rich source of vitamin E, folate, magnesium and selenium which make them an excellent snack to support immune system function and maintain long-term energy levels.
- Trail Mix – Trail mix is a combination of various types of nuts and dried fruits that contain different beneficial properties that stimulates and maintains optimum nutrition needed by students daily.
Apart from these primary essentials for survival reported above, college students should consider keeping other necessary items specifically related to health maintenance—the medication they are recommended to take regularly including prescription medications such as insulin or heart medicine; asthma inhalers; medical supplies like glucose monitors and blood pressure monitoring equipment; aspirin or pain relievers; laxatives or anti-diarrheals along with stomach-soothing antacids.
Pro Tip: While food supplies run out during emergencies within campus precincts or surrounding cities due to sudden hit disasters, preparedness reduces chances of being stranded among other uncertainties that exist in some emergency environments. Stock up on enough survival food to survive the apocalypse, or at least until the dining hall reopens.
Preparation and Storage Tips for Emergency Survival Food
Prepare for emergencies on college campuses. Learn to store and take care of emergency survival food. Stockpiling, storing correctly, and rotating supplies are the solutions. Check out the “Preparation and Storage Tips for Emergency Survival Food” section. It has sub-sections too!
Image credits: emergencypreparedness.page by James Washington
Creating a Stockpile
A Guide to Building Your Emergency Food Stockpile
Creating a reserve of emergency food is crucial in times of crisis. Having access to an emergency stockpile could be the difference between life and death during an emergency or natural disaster. Here are tips for perfect preparation and storage:
- Consider filling your stockpile with essential items such as dried carrots, dried celery, canned salmon, canned chicken, canned turkey, canned beans, canned soups, canned chili and summer squash.
- Include necessities like water, bottled sport drinks which prevent dehydration and pepper.
- Get household chlorine bleach as it isn't only used for cleaning but also treat drinking water.
- Gather personal hygiene items like feminine supplies or moist towelettes.
- Plan well-recommended bulk amounts that can sustain you over time.
- Rotate your stockpile periodically to maintain freshness.
Additionally, it's wise to consider buying a complete pre-packaged emergency kit. Many types on the market cater for different occasions such as pets or seniors.
It’s important that your finalised stockpile be accessible rapidly if needed in an emergency situation. Remember to check expiration dates frequently. Keep all related documents such as bank account records separate for easy retrieval when necessary.
Imagine one couple's experience when they moved into a new house late in summer only to be hit by a severe hurricane two months later leaving them stranded without supplies for several days. It was their properly stocked pantry that kept them housed. You too can be prepared!
Proper storage techniques are key to survival, because nothing ruins a post-apocalyptic feast quite like a case of botulism.
Proper Storage Techniques
Storing emergency survival food requires specific techniques to extend its shelf life and maintain its quality. Here's how you can ensure the proper storage of your emergency survival food.
- Keep the food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Store the food at a consistent temperature between 50-60°F, if possible.
- Keep food in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent oxygen and moisture exposure.
- Rotate your emergency supply by consuming and replacing items nearing expiration dates.
- Avoid storing foods with strong odors near other foods as they can affect taste.
- Maintain cleanliness in your storage area and inspect for any signs of pests or damage regularly.
In addition to these steps, it's essential to note that some items like pet food or infant formula require specific storage guidelines. Check manufacturer instructions before storing them.
Consider purchasing products designed for long-term storage with extended shelf lives like canned goods, dehydrated meals, and freeze-dried foods. Follow best practices like removing excess air from bags when using vacuum-sealed bags and labeling all stored containers' contents and expiration dates.
Investing time and effort into storing your emergency survival food adequately is critical for the safety of everyone who relies on it during challenging situations.
Remember, rotate your emergency food supplies so your taste buds don't go on strike before the apocalypse does.
Rotation of Supplies
It is vital to ensure regular replacement of emergency survival food to maintain freshness and replenish any items that might have expired or degraded. Regular rotation guarantees that the supplies remain at optimal quality when crisis strikes. Moreover, this ensures appropriate use of non-perishable items as well.
It's important to check expiry dates and replace any products which may have crossed the date limits. In addition, storing products appropriately will help in securing their longevity. Avoid contact with moisture, extreme temperatures and sunlight while practicing good hygiene measures such as washing hands before handling the food.
Following these tips increases preparedness levels during unforeseen emergencies, whether natural disasters or a pandemic outbreak, while reducing stress levels. Having adequate supplies on hand can make all the difference in ensuring your family’s safety and wellbeing. Considering emergency survival needs for colleges, don't forget to add bottled water, sports drinks and disability-friendly items such as scissors, tweezers and glasses to your list of essential supplies.
Five Facts About Emergency Survival Food for Colleges:
- ✅ Emergency survival food for colleges is specially designed to provide nutrition and sustenance for students during natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies. (Source: Education Week)
- ✅ These foods are usually non-perishable and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for stockpiling in advance. (Source: Wise Food Storage)
- ✅ Some popular types of emergency survival food for colleges include freeze-dried meals, energy bars, and canned goods. (Source: The Spruce Eats)
- ✅ Emergency survival food for colleges should be stored in a cool, dry place and checked regularly for expiration dates. (Source: Ready Nutrition)
- ✅ It is recommended that colleges and universities have an emergency plan in place, which includes provisions for emergency survival food for students. (Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency)
FAQs about Emergency Survival Food For Colleges
What are some essential items to include in an emergency survival food kit for college students?
Some essential items to include in an emergency survival food kit for college students are white sugar (for energy), stomach-soother (for upset stomachs), petroleum jelly (for chapped lips), whistle (for signaling for help), dust mask (for filtering contaminated air), plastic sheeting and duct tape (for creating a makeshift shelter), garbage bags and plastic ties (for waste disposal), wrench and pliers (for turning off utilities), diapers (if needed), important family documents, insurance policies, identification, travelers checks, change, emergency reference material, long sleeved shirt, long pants, sturdy shoes, medicine dropper, fire extinguisher, matches, mess kits, paper cups, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, books, games, and puzzles.
What kind of food should be included in an emergency survival food kit?
It is important to include non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare and provide energy. Some good options include canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and granola bars. It is also important to include a manual can opener.
How much food and water should be included in an emergency survival food kit?
It is recommended to have at least a three-day supply of food and water per person. This means having one gallon of water per person per day and non-perishable food items that can last for at least three days.
What should someone do if they have a disability?
It is important to have a plan in place for individuals with disabilities. This may include having extra medication, medical supplies, and equipment on hand. It is also important to communicate with professors, campus security, and emergency personnel about any specific needs or challenges.
Should emergency survival food kits be stored in a specific location?
Yes, emergency survival food kits should be stored in a cool, dry, and easily accessible location. In addition, it is important to periodically check the kit and replace any expired items.
Can an emergency survival food kit be used for other emergencies, such as natural disasters?
Yes, emergency survival food kits can be used for other emergencies, such as natural disasters. It is important to have a plan in place and adjust the contents of the kit accordingly based on the specific type of emergency.