Disaster Preparedness — Nutrition Needs – Philadelphia Family Food Nutritionist (Find a Dietitian Near Me)

by Heather A. Goesch, MPH, RDN, LDN

Maybe you live in a coastal region at risk of hurricanes and flooding. Or an area susceptible to powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes or wildfires. Or perhaps a part of the world that deals with heavy snow and damaging winter weather. Although the types and names of storms are unique to different locations, all have the potential to become violent and destructive.

The good news is that better detection technology has resulted in improved advanced warning in many situations. Regardless, planning is important for personal safety and, in the worst-case scenarios, it can be critical for survival. Ahead of potential natural disasters, assemble an emergency supply kit with enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours after a storm.

Building an Emergency Nutrition Kit

In addition to a family emergency plan and stocking flashlights, medical supplies, a hand-crank radio and extra batteries, remember nutritional needs for the members of your family, including pets.

Include the following in your basic emergency nutrition kit:

· At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food per person and pet

o Food for infants

o Fresh fruits and vegetables that do not require refrigeration, such as apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, stone fruits and tomatoes

o Dried fruit (preferably low-sugar or no-sugar-added to prevent excess thirst)

o Nuts and seeds, and/or nut and seed butters that do not require refrigeration

o Protein bars or fruit and nut/seed bars

o Ready-to-eat low-sugar granola or low-sugar dry cereals

o Whole grain crackers, pitas, tortillas, breads or rice cakes

o Ready-to-eat canned vegetables (low-sodium or no-salt-added if possible, to avoid excess thirst), fruit (packed in water or fruit juice), beans, lentils, meats and seafood

– Never eat foods from cans that are swollen, dented or corroded.

– Don’t forget to have a manual can opener handy!

· At least 1 gallon of water per person and pet per day for a minimum of 3 days or both drinking and sanitation (i.e., washing hands, dishes, brushing teeth, etc.)

o If you need to prepare infant formula, use bottled water. Water that has been boiled and cooled to the correct temperature should be used only if necessary.

o Additional beverage options could include: instant coffee, tea and cocoa; packets of sugar-free flavoring; powdered milk; pre-made protein or meal-replacement drinks that do not require refrigeration; or drinks with added electrolytes

Other emergency nutrition preparedness considerations:

· Choose foods you and your family like and will want to eat.

· Avoid foods that cause excess thirst (as indicated above).

· Keep special dietary needs for both human and pet members of your family in mind.

· Consider storing items in airtight plastic bags or containers that are then placed in a portable plastic bin or waterproof bag for extra protection.

· If evacuation may be an option, depending on the type of storms in your area, consider preparing a second portable kit to keep in your car or near the exit to grab on short notice.

· If bunkering down at home, fill your bathtub with extra water for cleaning or flushing toilets should access to water be lost or become unsafe.

· If you lose power before, during or after a storm, these steps can help save money and keep your family and your foods safe.

RESOURCES

Food and Water in an Emergency, FEMA

Food Safety in the Home After a Hurricane and Flooding, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics

How to Safely Feed Your Family During a Severe Storm, Food & Nutrition’s Student Scoop blog

18 Crucial Foods and Health Supplies You Need Before a Big Storm, Health Magazine

Best Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency, Real Simple Magazine

REFERENCES

1. Laseter, E. Hurricane Preparedness: Healthy Eating Tips to Ride out the Storm: https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/healthy-hurricane-food-tips. Cooking Light Magazine. Published 8 September 2017. Accessed 22 July 2018