How Should I Choose Disaster Survival Foods?

I have lived through two hurricanes where we were without utilities for over two weeks each time, not to mention the downed trees, damaged buildings, etc.

I was jokingly termed a "survivalist" before all of these incidents because of my camping gear and preparedness skills. I am a former paramedic and lived close to nuclear power plants, so when the storms hit, I was fine.

My wife chooses to be with me because she says it is the safest place to be -- imagine that. Preparedness is a state of mind, not a list. It is a lifestyle, not an incident. Learn to live it and you will be glad when the bad times do come.

I have been in a prolonged disaster! If you are hungry enough, you will eat anything that you can put in your mouth! You can survive reasonably for three days without water, then get closer to death each day thereafter (less in a dry, desert environment).

Zerowater, a non-electric water purification cartridge system will solve the water supply problem. I do not have any connection with zerowater, except we now use this system for our drinking water. Look it up. Diabetics die without meds and food earlier than most! We have our emergency rations buried in a safe, secure place.

My family knows the exact location of containers (fiberglass, water tight), obtained at our local pet supply store! Trust me -- a bottle of water will be the currency of choice!

To shrug preparedness off, is to not provide for yourself, or family, in case of a ruinous emergency! There are no friendships if you are starving! Nothing defends your family as well as a 12 gauge shot gun, for close in defense. I am not a wild-eyed survivalist, just a realist if real bad things happen.

I will be very happy if I have spent money and time on something that never happens. Foodstuffs store for 15 years. It’s my job to provide for my family -- always!

106276 is not very informative and is completely wrong about this article.

There are some very good ideas written here. Though not a complete list, the items presented here are absolutely worth thinking about.

I would add a couple of small bottles of vodka, whiskey or even a six-pack, to barter/trade with, not to drink, as you might need something that you didn't think of. Money may not have any value when it's life or death.

I have served with on site response with honors and so I can say with authority, that this is a fine article! It gets people thinking in terms of preparedness, if nothing else.

Each person's needs are unique, so it is important to think what might be most useful and store well. Something for food, a good first aid kit, and entertainment. Creams and things that comfort you are good too, since they calm the stress in an emergency. Whatever works is valid. Also, since these preparedness kits often never get used, if we are lucky, replace your kit from time to time, to keep the items safe and fresh, and donate the old one to the food pantry as long as the dates are OK.

Thanks again, WiseGeek! Elle F.

Buy items for consumption with little or no salt as that will increase the need for water.

i think that what you are trying to put across to people is very good. i went through a disaster and was glad to have some food. when you get hungry anything will do. i lived four days on potatoes and beets. i have learned to store other foods that are all dried and in bags. i now have dried eggs, peas, carrots, tomatoes and fruits. dried foods will keep you alive. that's what counts. thank you.

106276 should enlighten us, if they are such an expert on survival.

I live in Fla. and we have had some pretty fierce hurricanes. I was happy to have stored plenty of water and canned foods.You article is great for newcomers to Fla.

For those who aren't allergic, you left out peanut butter. In a disaster, I don't think having well balanced meals is the concern. It's storing what you can safely to eat plus peroxide, alcohol, a home made first aid kit, and, as you said, lots of water. Store your supplies where they are least likely to be destroyed considering the type of disasters that occur in your area.

Just surviving "today" is a challenge (without the added floods/earthquakes, etc. My "store" of food is not only for a possible disaster, but just for the disaster of surviving for the week.

I would love to be prepared for any disaster, but not too many people can. And I personally do not want to count on our government or FEMA to help me out. They can't even help out the disaster that's going on right under their noses (lost homes, jobs, etc.).

To be truthfully honest with you, I find it hard to survive from day to day, let alone concern myself with a disaster situation like Haiti: Pakistan etc.

I can't get my head around these natural disasters and very few people can. I know and see their plight but the world aid people certainly are doing there best. Helping them is my priority rather than what would I do if the same disaster happened where I live.

Storing up may be a good, positive approach but if it is floods than your store could be wiped away.

This article is utter tosh and shows you have no idea what it means to be in a disaster zone at all.