Food Preparation and Safety in an Emergency
(modified from posting on Minidoka.id.us)
We have talked a lot about what food to store, and how to store it to maximize the life of that food. What we haven't talked about is how you are going to cook that food in an emergency.
In emergency situations, the power usually goes out, and your refrigerator, freezer, and oven become useless.
How do you use that food you've stored, and how do you do it safely?
Tips for using Stored Food in an Emergency
- Canned and dried foods are easy to reheat. The less cooking time needed, the better.
- Collect recipes that are simple and use stored food items. Keep the recipes right by the foods. See the link to a great food storage cookbook on this site.
- Store basic cooking utensils like a can opener, mixing bowls and cooking spoons nearby.
- Store some shelf-stable items that are not canned: juice boxes, stock and broth in boxes, dried fruits and snack items can be stored with a fridge.
- Water is important, not only for drinking but also rehydrating dried foods. Store some near the dehydrated foods.
- Remember that if you don't have a way to keep food cool, so only cook as much as you can eat within 2 hours. These and other tips will keep you safe while eating in an emergency.
- Staying Safe when Emergency Cooking
- Canned and dried foods are easy to reheat. The less cooking time needed, the better.
- Collect recipes that are simple and use stored food items. Keep the recipes right by the foods. See the link to a great food storage cookbook on this site.
- Store basic cooking utensils like a can opener, mixing bowls and cooking spoons nearby.
- Store some shelf-stable items that are not canned: juice boxes, stock and broth in boxes, dried fruits and snack items can be stored with a fridge.
- Water is important, not only for drinking but also rehydrating dried foods. Store some near the dehydrated foods.
- Remember that if you don't have a way to keep food cool, so only cook as much as you can eat within 2 hours. These and other tips will keep you safe while eating in an emergency.
- Staying Safe when Emergency Cooking