We’ve all experienced a power outage at one point or another during our lives. The moment the power shuts off and leaves you sitting in the dark, it’s natural to feel panicked. However, if you prepare for any situation, you won’t have to worry. There are several steps to ensure you can feed your family in emergencies. Here’s how to feed a family during a power outage.
Prepare in Advance
Because you can never be sure when a power outage will occur, it helps to prepare in advance. There are certain items you can keep in your home at all times that will help you through a power outage. For example, you can equip yourself with battery-powered lamps and flashlights that will allow you to see whenever the power goes out. You’ll also want to make sure you have a first aid kit just in case of emergencies, and you’ll want to stock up on food that doesn’t need refrigeration so that you can prepare meals for your family during power outages.
What Foods To Stock
One of the best ways to prepare yourself and your family for a power outage is by knowing what foods to stock in your home ahead of time. Because a power outage will take power from your fridge, microwave, oven, and stove, your cooking options change dramatically. Therefore, it’s best to stock up on non-perishable foods that do not need to be refrigerated. In addition, keeping your home stocked with a long-term food supply will allow you to be ready in any situation. Here are some examples of foods to stock up on:
Ready-To-Eat Canned Foods
The first food item you will want to stock up on in case of power outages is ready-to-eat canned foods. Canned foods will store for an extended period, allowing you to feed your family for a long time. You should stock your pantry with canned fruits, vegetables, meats, and beans. Canned tuna is a great example of meat that will last for an extended time. You can also stock up on canned stews and soups.
Bread
Bread is another example of a food that does not need refrigeration that you should always stock in your pantry. Bread is a versatile food that you can eat or pair with almost anything to make a meal. For example, you can easily make sandwiches to feed the whole family during a power outage or emergency. You can also pair bread with canned soup to make a meal.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a non-perishable that lasts a long time and is a staple in pantries worldwide. The great thing about peanut butter is that it is a good source of protein. It will provide your body with energy for longer periods than other food items. Peanut butter also is perfect for making sandwiches. If you stock bread and peanut butter, you will be able to make sandwiches for yourself and your family, which makes for an easy meal for kids.
Jelly
Another essential non-perishable to always have in your home is jelly. Jelly goes hand in hand with peanut butter. Jelly also tastes wonderful on toast. You can even spread jelly on crackers to make for an easy snack option for yourself or the kids.
Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are also a great option to keep in your pantry for emergencies and power outages. These noodles last for a very long time, which makes them a great addition to your long-term emergency food supply. In addition, they are very simple to make and don’t take long to cook. Noodles make for a filling and flavorful meal in any situation.
Dry Cereal
Another non-perishable you should keep in stock is dry cereal. Dry cereal makes for fantastic breakfast food, with or without milk. You can also utilize dry cereal for small snacks throughout the day. Kids will love having cereal as an option for snacks and breakfast. You can even make homemade trail mixes with cereal and dried fruit, and other items.
Protein Bars
Protein bars are another essential item that you should always keep in your pantry. Protein bars are great sources of protein, making them an excellent snack option for any situation or scenario. Foods that are high in protein will give you and your family energy for longer periods than junk food or sugary snack foods. Protein bars also come in a wide variety of flavors. You can find something that everyone in your family will enjoy.
Dried Fruit
Another necessary item to add to your long-term emergency food supply is dried fruit. Dried fruits will last for long periods, making them a great option in emergencies and power outages. These dried fruits are often rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack for the whole family. You can also make trail mixes with an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, cereal, and crackers.
Keep Your Fridge Closed
One of the most important things to remember during a power outage is to keep your fridge closed. A power outage will stop your fridge from working, which will eventually cause the food within to spoil. However, food will stay cold for at least 48 hours after the power initially goes out, as long as you keep the refrigerator doors closed as long as possible. The more you open those doors, the sooner the food inside will spoil.
Know Your Cooking Options
Knowing your cooking options is another necessity in a power outage. Once the power goes out, you will no longer be able to use any electric appliances. Your microwave, oven, stove, and fridge are no longer usable during this time. However, if you have a gas stovetop, you will be able to utilize it during a power outage as long as you have a match to light it. You can also use a gas-powered grill outside to cook meals for your family during emergencies and power outages. Knowing your options will ensure that you are still able to eat and make meals even in uncertain times.
Now that you know how to feed your family when the power goes out, you can prepare yourself for emergencies and power outages today. NuManna Foundation offers long-term food supply options such as survival milk powder that will sustain you in emergencies.
