What to store
When the power is out, you may not be able to cook, and boiling uses water you need to drink. So start with food you can eat straight from the can, jar, box or pouch.
- Protein & healthy fats: peanut butter, peanuts, trail mix, canned chicken, tuna, chili and beans
- Grains & snacks: crackers, granola bars, ready-to-eat rice pouches, cereal
- Fruits & vegetables: canned fruit, applesauce, raisins, canned vegetables
- Babies: ready-to-feed liquid formula needs no water at all
- Pets: two weeks of their usual food
How much you need
Plan about 2,000 calories a day for an adult and about 1,500 for a child. A family of four needs roughly 7,000 to 8,000 calories a day.
Peanut butter, nuts and trail mix pack the most calories for your money. Canned fruit and vegetables add the vitamins.
How long food keeps
| Food | Best quality for about |
|---|---|
| Low-acid canned food (meat, beans, most vegetables) | 2 to 5 years |
| High-acid canned food (fruit, tomatoes) | 12 to 18 months |
| Peanut butter, unopened | 6 to 9 months past purchase; check the date |
| Crackers and granola bars | 6 to 12 months; check the date |
| White rice, dry | Many years in sealed containers |
Write the purchase date on everything, put new food at the back, and eat the oldest first.
When the power goes out
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed. A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
- A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24 hours.
- Eat from the fridge first, then the freezer, then your shelf food.
- Throw out fridge food that has been above 40°F for 2 hours or more. When in doubt, throw it out.
If you do want to cook
Practicing alternative cooking is a great skill. Use a grill, camp stove or rocket stove outdoors only.
Food storage gear
Food-grade buckets with gamma lids
Keep bulk food dry and pest-free.
My pick: Consolidated Plastics 5 Gallon Food Grade Buckets with Gamma Seal Lids (3 Pack)
Can rotation organizer
Makes first-in, first-out automatic.
My pick: Shelf Reliance Cansolidator Pantry Can Organizer, Holds 40 Cans
Manual can opener
The most forgotten item in every food stash.
My pick: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener
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