Healthy Connections
What’s in your Preparedness Pantry?
by Joy Lasseter
Ph.D. Nutritionist
Our area is subject to a number of potential natural disasters including: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, snow and ice storms and floods. Several types of man-made disasters (including chemical spills and terrorist attacks) could have similar effects.
Day-to-day emergencies are small-scale and temporary. They are usually handled within minutes or hours. Disasters are wide-scale and overwhelm our fire, police, medical and utility responders for days or weeks.
After the initial disaster damage occurs, Vancouver firefighters’ mandate is to go to the worst of the identified problems first, conducting triage to determine the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. This may leave individual homeowners at the bottom of the list for response priority.
We need to prepare ourselves as citizens, homeowners and neighbors to take care of our family and our neighbors. The fire department recommends that each family be totally self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Businesses should consider similar preparations to care for stranded employees and customers.
Fortunately, these preparation programs and information are available:
• Vancouver residents may contact Judi Bailey, City of Vancouver Office of Neighborhoods 360-487-8608 or judi.bailey@ci.vancouver.wa.us) for Map Your Neighborhood, a simple method to organize and teach the neighbors on your block to help themselves and each other. The DVD walks you through a simple nine-step process and includes free booklets.
• The Emergency Resource Guide from the State of Washington Department of Emergency Management at www.emd.wa.gov is a great resource with check lists and preparations for all types of disasters.
• The Red Cross has first aid booklets and CPR in a Box information for a small fee. The office is at 3114 E. Fourth Plain, or call 360-693-5821. Read these so you will know how to respond to your family’s injuries.
What are you going to eat and drink when there is no electricity?
Grocery stores only carry about three days supply of food items. Their buildings could be damaged and not able to provide food during a disaster. ATMs won’t be dispensing cash. Gas stations won’t be pumping gas. You need food and water at home, plus a bicycle!
What do you store for your family?
Only buy what you already eat. Forget the year’s supply of dehydrated foods that will last 10 years. Where would you store it? Each time you shop, buy a few extra items on the list below. Place them in the back of the pantry and use the older stuff first. Rotate your food supplies for freshness.
Guidelines for a short-term, relatively healthy, food pantry that does not require much preparation:
Serve a protein, vegetable and grain at each meal. Use fruit as a dessert. If you have a camp stove or portable butane burner then you can heat water, soups, make pancakes and warm your foods. Use the stove outside for ventilation. Do not store empty calorie foods: cookies, candy, desserts, soda pop, donuts and pastries.
• Proteins—canned: fish, chicken, turkey, shellfish, chili con carne, ham and beef. Vegetarian protein—nut, seeds, canned beans (combine with grains for a complete protein)
• Vegetables—instant potatoes, canned: spinach, green beans, asparagus, yams, peas, carrots, tomatoes, tomato sauce and soups.
• Grains—crackers, instant oatmeal, dry cereal, instant noodles, pancake mix (the “only add water” type), instant rice, low sodium chips and popcorn.
• Fruit—canned or dried: peaches, pears, apples, applesauce, mandarin oranges, apricots and raisins.
• Staples—flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, spices, herbs, dry milk, sugar, vinegar and cooking oil.
• Beverages—instant coffee, black tea, herb tea, Postum, hot cocoa and sugar-free fruit juices.
Drinking Water—one gallon per person per day stored in approved water container. Do not use rinsed out food or milk containers for water storage. Your water heater will provide other water if you follow instructions in the survival information already mentioned.
Do not store food and water in your garage where toxic car fumes can penetrate plastic containers. Clear out a closet and store that stuff in the garage. Also, do not use chemically treated garbage bags to store food. Use plastic storage bins with lids or store them on your pantry shelves. Keep your car gas tank 1/2 full at all times. Keep your bicycle in good working condition.
How many days supply do I need?
In the Florida hurricanes my family often waited a week to have services restored. In a Nevada snowstorm I was snowed in for six days. When the truck strike in California stopped food delivery, I had to wait eight days. During the California Bay Area earthquake services were disrupted for weeks.
Also necessary: mechanical can opener, dishpans and buckets, liquid soap, paper plates, napkins, cups, plastic utensils, plain bleach, paper towels, small portable potty with sealing lid, plastic garbage bags, flashlights, portable radio, medications and pet supplies.
If you have ever been tent camping then you understand living without electricity!
You decide how much you want to store for your family. But, store it now! Don’t wait. We never know when a disaster will strike. You know when hurricanes are coming your way. The other types of disasters sneak up on you! Are you prepared?
Joy Lasseter, Ph.D, a nutritionist, professional speaker and author, moved here from California five years ago. She custom designs nutrition programs for individuals, provides professional presentations for companies, corporations and conventions, writes a monthly article for the Senior Messenger and teaches nutrition workshops at Marshall and Firstenburg community centers. Dr. Joy can be reached at 360-944-9119 or joylasseter@earthlink.net.
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