Disaster Survival Information - How to Prepare and What to Buy
WATER & FOOD
This page discusses the following critical topics in great detail:
- Water & Food: details about food, water, and storage.
- Water Storage: details about why and how to store water.
- Water Purification: about water filters and purifiers.
- Water Treatment Options: 9 ways you can treat water.
- Food & Storage: freeze dried, dehydrated, canned and MREs.
Water and Food
WATER
Second only to air, water is the most important requirement for human survival. Consequently, everyone should be thinking what they would do in the event that their tap water and retail water supplies were no longer available? One solution would be to form a plan that includes several water supply options. Including both the current initial storing of surplus water supplies and a future means to harvest water from other sources. Does a water supply shortage possibly sound ridiculous to you? If so, then perhaps we should tell you that not too long ago, it was commonly reported that a number of individuals were selling water for $5.00 per gallon during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Now considering how this is only an example of a relatively short-term state disaster, you can imagine how a larger multiple state or national disaster could certainly get much worse. What all this means is, a water supply should your top priority! Below we discuss water storage and water purification in more detail.
FOOD
Food is your next priority after water or perhaps shelter. “Food Insurance” is a relevant term and is growing in popularity. Oxygen, heat, light, and moisture all contribute to the breakdown of nutrients and spoilage of food. You need to develop a plan to secure and properly store a reserve food supply. The average adult American eats an average of 1,800-1,900 lbs. of food per year. Yet the weight of the same food is greatly reduced when stored in a light weight form such as dehydrated or freeze dried. The challenge with food is selecting the proper preparation and storage. It’s important to develop a plan which includes food types that insure a long-term shelf life. This is achievable if you approach the project correctly. Food types to be considered are Freeze Dried, Dehydrated, (MRE) MREs, Retail Canned Foods, Home Canned Foods, and Retail or Wholesale bulk foods you can pack yourself using Mylar bags and Moisture absorbers. Below we discuss the various food supply types and storage options in more detail.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE
The shelf-life of both water and food is dramatically affected by sunlight, temperature, humidity, etc. For example, many MREs shelf-life can range from 1-10 years based upon the environment of which the foods are stored. For example, a particular MRE meal may only taste reasonably fresh for a period of 1-2 years in temperatures of 100-120 degrees, 4-5 years at 70 degrees and 8-10+ years when stored at 55 degrees.
Water is also affected by varying temperatures and environment as well. Although, with some water methods not quite as dramatically as the MRE illustration above. Based upon various storage options and locations within the U.S., many people may be able to provide an average food storage environment of around 70 degrees. Often a cool basement is ideal and preferable over say a garage which may have varying temperatures between the heat of summer and freezing temperatures of winter. Fluctuation of temperatures is to be avoided as much as possible. Also, avoid direct sunlight by storing your goods in a dark location. This guideline often leads many people to choose a root cellar, basement or at least the coolest dark closet available, for their food storage. When possible, select storage areas located near northern walls which are the coolest locations. Also, avoid areas near attics, furnaces, appliances or anything that produces heat.
WATER
Second only to air, water is the most important requirement for human survival. Consequently, everyone should be thinking what they would do in the event that their tap water and retail water supplies were no longer available? One solution would be to form a plan that includes several water supply options. Including both the current initial storing of surplus water supplies and a future means to harvest water from other sources. Does a water supply shortage possibly sound ridiculous to you? If so, then perhaps we should tell you that not too long ago, it was commonly reported that a number of individuals were selling water for $5.00 per gallon during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Now considering how this is only an example of a relatively short-term state disaster, you can imagine how a larger multiple state or national disaster could certainly get much worse. What all this means is, a water supply should your top priority! Below we discuss water storage and water purification in more detail.
FOOD
Food is your next priority after water or perhaps shelter. “Food Insurance” is a relevant term and is growing in popularity. Oxygen, heat, light, and moisture all contribute to the breakdown of nutrients and spoilage of food. You need to develop a plan to secure and properly store a reserve food supply. The average adult American eats an average of 1,800-1,900 lbs. of food per year. Yet the weight of the same food is greatly reduced when stored in a light weight form such as dehydrated or freeze dried. The challenge with food is selecting the proper preparation and storage. It’s important to develop a plan which includes food types that insure a long-term shelf life. This is achievable if you approach the project correctly. Food types to be considered are Freeze Dried, Dehydrated, (MRE) MREs, Retail Canned Foods, Home Canned Foods, and Retail or Wholesale bulk foods you can pack yourself using Mylar bags and Moisture absorbers. Below we discuss the various food supply types and storage options in more detail.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE
The shelf-life of both water and food is dramatically affected by sunlight, temperature, humidity, etc. For example, many MREs shelf-life can range from 1-10 years based upon the environment of which the foods are stored. For example, a particular MRE meal may only taste reasonably fresh for a period of 1-2 years in temperatures of 100-120 degrees, 4-5 years at 70 degrees and 8-10+ years when stored at 55 degrees.
Water is also affected by varying temperatures and environment as well. Although, with some water methods not quite as dramatically as the MRE illustration above. Based upon various storage options and locations within the U.S., many people may be able to provide an average food storage environment of around 70 degrees. Often a cool basement is ideal and preferable over say a garage which may have varying temperatures between the heat of summer and freezing temperatures of winter. Fluctuation of temperatures is to be avoided as much as possible. Also, avoid direct sunlight by storing your goods in a dark location. This guideline often leads many people to choose a root cellar, basement or at least the coolest dark closet available, for their food storage. When possible, select storage areas located near northern walls which are the coolest locations. Also, avoid areas near attics, furnaces, appliances or anything that produces heat.
Water Storage Suggestions
1 gallon of water per day is the minimum recommendation for each adult. This provides 2 quarts drinking water and 2 quarts for bathing and cleaning daily. 1 gallon per day of water, only represents a small fraction of the amount of water the average person in the U.S. normally consumes daily.
In addition to small 8-12 oz. size bottled water, it’s also important to have a larger storage capability. The easiest way to store a large volume of water is with the aid of the proper grade large containers. Large new 55 gallon polyethylene plastic water drums can be purchased through specialty suppliers. Note: if you opt for purchasing used food grade containers which previously were used for syrups or beverages, be aware the water they contain may retain a taste or odor even after cleaning. If you have any notice or warning, then the fantastic product known as the "WaterBob" (average $28.00) is a great system for storing 70-90 gallons of water in your bathtub. This is enough water to supply 3 adults for one month!
Water is heavy! For example, the weight of 1 US gallon of water is 8.345 lbs. For a survival situation of a few weeks or longer, you will need to have a variety of water container sizes in order to both to store and handle water for several people’s needs. While a large 55 gallon container is great for bulk water storage, it’s much too heavy (459 lbs.) to be portable. Long-term water quantities required are substantial. For example, two adults x 1 gallon daily x 27 days would require 54 gallons of water weighing a staggering 450+ pounds!
Having a ready reserve of water in storage, should be your first line of defense. Second, would be a means by which to purify other possible water resources in the future. This can be accomplished in various ways. The most obvious and likely method would include your ability to filter water taken from lakes, rivers and streams. Also, the intent to catch rainwater off one’s own roof using the existing gutters and downspouts, is part of many people’s long-term supplemental plans. Note: for such gathering of rain water, the 55 gallon heavy duty plastic containers work well both as receptacles and for storage.
You need to store the water indoors in clean opaque containers to avoid direct sunlight. Plus you may wish to include some of the available additives to help insure that unwanted bacteria will not grow within your bulk water supply. Also, check your containers every six months to verify that your water supply is still fresh and does not have a bacteria issue. If possible, rotate (refill fresh) your water supply every 6-12 months. Remember to store water in a cool dark place and off the floor. One way to keep water containers off the floor is to stack atop a few 2”x4” wood boards or a common wooden pallet.
Tip: Having on hand, a 100+ ft. roll of a ¾” 80 PSI sprinkler (polyethylene) pipe could prove to be very useful for a variety of uses such as siphoning or routing water. Also, get some 1” metal clamps, plugs, tees, and couplings to really increase the many uses of your poly plastic pipe. If you are concerned about the long-term safety of using poly pipe for drinking water, you can easily purchase such pipe upgraded to an NSF (portable water) grade, for only about a 20% price increase.
1 gallon of water per day is the minimum recommendation for each adult. This provides 2 quarts drinking water and 2 quarts for bathing and cleaning daily. 1 gallon per day of water, only represents a small fraction of the amount of water the average person in the U.S. normally consumes daily.
In addition to small 8-12 oz. size bottled water, it’s also important to have a larger storage capability. The easiest way to store a large volume of water is with the aid of the proper grade large containers. Large new 55 gallon polyethylene plastic water drums can be purchased through specialty suppliers. Note: if you opt for purchasing used food grade containers which previously were used for syrups or beverages, be aware the water they contain may retain a taste or odor even after cleaning. If you have any notice or warning, then the fantastic product known as the "WaterBob" (average $28.00) is a great system for storing 70-90 gallons of water in your bathtub. This is enough water to supply 3 adults for one month!
Water is heavy! For example, the weight of 1 US gallon of water is 8.345 lbs. For a survival situation of a few weeks or longer, you will need to have a variety of water container sizes in order to both to store and handle water for several people’s needs. While a large 55 gallon container is great for bulk water storage, it’s much too heavy (459 lbs.) to be portable. Long-term water quantities required are substantial. For example, two adults x 1 gallon daily x 27 days would require 54 gallons of water weighing a staggering 450+ pounds!
Having a ready reserve of water in storage, should be your first line of defense. Second, would be a means by which to purify other possible water resources in the future. This can be accomplished in various ways. The most obvious and likely method would include your ability to filter water taken from lakes, rivers and streams. Also, the intent to catch rainwater off one’s own roof using the existing gutters and downspouts, is part of many people’s long-term supplemental plans. Note: for such gathering of rain water, the 55 gallon heavy duty plastic containers work well both as receptacles and for storage.
You need to store the water indoors in clean opaque containers to avoid direct sunlight. Plus you may wish to include some of the available additives to help insure that unwanted bacteria will not grow within your bulk water supply. Also, check your containers every six months to verify that your water supply is still fresh and does not have a bacteria issue. If possible, rotate (refill fresh) your water supply every 6-12 months. Remember to store water in a cool dark place and off the floor. One way to keep water containers off the floor is to stack atop a few 2”x4” wood boards or a common wooden pallet.
Tip: Having on hand, a 100+ ft. roll of a ¾” 80 PSI sprinkler (polyethylene) pipe could prove to be very useful for a variety of uses such as siphoning or routing water. Also, get some 1” metal clamps, plugs, tees, and couplings to really increase the many uses of your poly plastic pipe. If you are concerned about the long-term safety of using poly pipe for drinking water, you can easily purchase such pipe upgraded to an NSF (portable water) grade, for only about a 20% price increase.
Water Purification
Water purification is critical. Both retail and tap water may not be totally bacteria free. In many cases, bottled water storage is only safe for about 6+ months. On the other hand, with proper procedures, water may be stored for years. To achieve a water storage system which will last for a few years or more, the water must be bacteria-free.
One option is the Oxi-Stable Water Preserver by E.D. Goodloe "Aerobic Stabilized Oxygen” allows you to store water for up to 5 years without rotation! One 2.36 oz bottle will stabilize 110 gallons (two 55 gallon barrels) of tap water for long-term storage. Unlike chlorine or iodine, Stabilized Oxygen acts selectively and DOES NOT harm beneficial aerobic bacteria which is needed for good health. Most diseases and putrefying bacteria are anaerobic and cannot survive in the presence of concentrated oxygen. Oxi-Stable protects against: Salmonella Cholera, E. Coli, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, along with various parasites and microorganisms. Filtration of water would still be a good idea along with a stabilized oxygen. Another means for long-term water storage, is to filter the water and then apply an additive such as a diluted bleach solution discussed below under "water treatment options."
Water Filters Verses Purifiers
Water filters and purifiers are both microbiological water-treatment devices. Your concern is that one or more pathogenic (disease causing) microorganisms can be present in your water supply. Avoid gathering water from within an area where animal or human activity is obvious. Because, when animal or human fecal waste connects with a water source this creates the perfect environment whereby pathogenic microorganisms could be present within the water. This is what causes illness and disease.
Within a good quality water treatment system, there are different methods of filtration utilized. For example, let’s examine a top quality brand “Berkey.” Whereby, they offer a number of different models, different water capacities, and different filtration systems. We typically recommend the Black Berkey elements because along with everything else, they also remove more unwanted elements (like lead).
The Black Berkey elements are considered water purifiers where the ceramic elements are considered filters, referring to the Upper Chamber Filters. You can choose either Black Berkey Elements or Super Sterasyl Ceramic Filters for your upper chamber filters. These filters are comparable in terms of cleaning and price. However the Black Berkeys, being a newer design, are able to filter everything the ceramics do in addition to removing Lead and MTBE’s that the ceramics do not remove, and chlorine and bacteria (giardia, e-coli, etc) to higher degrees. The Black Berkey’s also meet high ANSI/NSF log 7 standards as water purifiers and show off their prowess by being able to remove food coloring from water.
* Black Berkey last approximately 6000 gallons for a set of 2 filters.
* Super Sterasyl Ceramics last approximately 1200 gallons per set of 2 Lower Chamber Filters
The lower chamber filters are referred to as PF filters. PF = Post Filtration. There are 2 types of PF filters. The PF-2’s are specifically designed to work with the black berkeys, and the PF-4’s are designed specifically to work with the ceramic filters. The PF filters are easily installed by screwing them onto the stem of upper chamber elements so that they hang upside down in the lower chamber of any multi-filter Berkey Water Filter system. PF filters are optional.
If your municipality adds fluoride to your water, or you are concerned about arsenic seepage into your well, then the PF-2 Filters as an add-on to your Black Berkeys are what you’re looking for. PF-4 Filters also remove fluoride and arsenic in addition to other chemicals that the upper chamber SS ceramics do not remove. The prices include two filtration elements for any unit (except the Go Berkey, which only takes one). You do not have to use chlorine after using a Berkey for lake water.
Water Contaminants
Include: Microorganisms, Disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals.
3 Main Concerns:
Common sources of water include: streams, rivers, and lakes. Following is a list of three major areas of concern for safe water:
Protozoan cysts: these are hard-shelled, single-cell parasites, including the well-known Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium Parvum.
Bacteria: these are smaller organisms, which include E. Coli, Salmonella, Cholera and Campylobacter Jejuni.
Viruses: can be inactivated by boiling water, UV light, or by contacting the chemical component found in quality purifiers, chemical treatment either before or after filtration. Viruses are the tiniest of the organisms.
Plus Chemicals/Toxins
Includes pesticides, herbicides, metals etc. Filters with an activated carbon element offer some protection. While boiling such water offers limited benefits. Note: the Black Berkey product line offers defense for lead and some of the other contaminants.
Water Treatment Options
There are various means of water treatment. Such methods as water disinfecting, filtration, purification etc. The following is a list of different water treatment methods, some being more effective than others.
1) Water filtration systems: For example, consider units which encompass ceramic filters,
such as the two models labeled below as a & b.
a) “Katadyn Vario Dual Technology Micro-filter (Kit)” cost around $95.00
b) “Berkey” line of filtration systems" various models using ceramic or black water filters.
2) Water purifier systems: For example, consider units which encompass black filter elements.
Models which use the black Berkey filter elements - cost approx. $260.00.
3) Boiling water.
4) By adding a two percent Tincture of Iodine (12 drops) per gallon of water.
5) Strain and add Chlorine Bleach (household bleach). Suggest a bleach of 5.25% solution
of sodium hypochlorite without soap additives or phosphates. Use 1/8 teaspoon (5-8 drops)
per gallon of water.
6) UV Light.
7) Oxygenated water additive such as “Oxi-Stable" and yet there are other contaminants that
could use high-end filtering.
8) Portable water purification tablets. Iodine based tablets available with taste-neutralizing
tablets. May require 1/2 hour wait time before drinking the water.
9) Portable Aqua Mira Chlorine Dioxide (no iodine or normal chlorine). Makes for an alternative
to Iodine. Note: We don't how these tablets require 4 hours before water is ready to drink.
Warning! Expectant or nursing mothers, along with anyone (male or female) with thyroid
problems should not drink water treated with iodine. Also, others may be affected by the
ongoing use of Iodine beyond for example, a 14 day period.
Water purification is critical. Both retail and tap water may not be totally bacteria free. In many cases, bottled water storage is only safe for about 6+ months. On the other hand, with proper procedures, water may be stored for years. To achieve a water storage system which will last for a few years or more, the water must be bacteria-free.
One option is the Oxi-Stable Water Preserver by E.D. Goodloe "Aerobic Stabilized Oxygen” allows you to store water for up to 5 years without rotation! One 2.36 oz bottle will stabilize 110 gallons (two 55 gallon barrels) of tap water for long-term storage. Unlike chlorine or iodine, Stabilized Oxygen acts selectively and DOES NOT harm beneficial aerobic bacteria which is needed for good health. Most diseases and putrefying bacteria are anaerobic and cannot survive in the presence of concentrated oxygen. Oxi-Stable protects against: Salmonella Cholera, E. Coli, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, along with various parasites and microorganisms. Filtration of water would still be a good idea along with a stabilized oxygen. Another means for long-term water storage, is to filter the water and then apply an additive such as a diluted bleach solution discussed below under "water treatment options."
Water Filters Verses Purifiers
Water filters and purifiers are both microbiological water-treatment devices. Your concern is that one or more pathogenic (disease causing) microorganisms can be present in your water supply. Avoid gathering water from within an area where animal or human activity is obvious. Because, when animal or human fecal waste connects with a water source this creates the perfect environment whereby pathogenic microorganisms could be present within the water. This is what causes illness and disease.
Within a good quality water treatment system, there are different methods of filtration utilized. For example, let’s examine a top quality brand “Berkey.” Whereby, they offer a number of different models, different water capacities, and different filtration systems. We typically recommend the Black Berkey elements because along with everything else, they also remove more unwanted elements (like lead).
The Black Berkey elements are considered water purifiers where the ceramic elements are considered filters, referring to the Upper Chamber Filters. You can choose either Black Berkey Elements or Super Sterasyl Ceramic Filters for your upper chamber filters. These filters are comparable in terms of cleaning and price. However the Black Berkeys, being a newer design, are able to filter everything the ceramics do in addition to removing Lead and MTBE’s that the ceramics do not remove, and chlorine and bacteria (giardia, e-coli, etc) to higher degrees. The Black Berkey’s also meet high ANSI/NSF log 7 standards as water purifiers and show off their prowess by being able to remove food coloring from water.
* Black Berkey last approximately 6000 gallons for a set of 2 filters.
* Super Sterasyl Ceramics last approximately 1200 gallons per set of 2 Lower Chamber Filters
The lower chamber filters are referred to as PF filters. PF = Post Filtration. There are 2 types of PF filters. The PF-2’s are specifically designed to work with the black berkeys, and the PF-4’s are designed specifically to work with the ceramic filters. The PF filters are easily installed by screwing them onto the stem of upper chamber elements so that they hang upside down in the lower chamber of any multi-filter Berkey Water Filter system. PF filters are optional.
If your municipality adds fluoride to your water, or you are concerned about arsenic seepage into your well, then the PF-2 Filters as an add-on to your Black Berkeys are what you’re looking for. PF-4 Filters also remove fluoride and arsenic in addition to other chemicals that the upper chamber SS ceramics do not remove. The prices include two filtration elements for any unit (except the Go Berkey, which only takes one). You do not have to use chlorine after using a Berkey for lake water.
Water Contaminants
Include: Microorganisms, Disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals.
3 Main Concerns:
Common sources of water include: streams, rivers, and lakes. Following is a list of three major areas of concern for safe water:
Protozoan cysts: these are hard-shelled, single-cell parasites, including the well-known Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium Parvum.
Bacteria: these are smaller organisms, which include E. Coli, Salmonella, Cholera and Campylobacter Jejuni.
Viruses: can be inactivated by boiling water, UV light, or by contacting the chemical component found in quality purifiers, chemical treatment either before or after filtration. Viruses are the tiniest of the organisms.
Plus Chemicals/Toxins
Includes pesticides, herbicides, metals etc. Filters with an activated carbon element offer some protection. While boiling such water offers limited benefits. Note: the Black Berkey product line offers defense for lead and some of the other contaminants.
Water Treatment Options
There are various means of water treatment. Such methods as water disinfecting, filtration, purification etc. The following is a list of different water treatment methods, some being more effective than others.
1) Water filtration systems: For example, consider units which encompass ceramic filters,
such as the two models labeled below as a & b.
a) “Katadyn Vario Dual Technology Micro-filter (Kit)” cost around $95.00
b) “Berkey” line of filtration systems" various models using ceramic or black water filters.
2) Water purifier systems: For example, consider units which encompass black filter elements.
Models which use the black Berkey filter elements - cost approx. $260.00.
3) Boiling water.
4) By adding a two percent Tincture of Iodine (12 drops) per gallon of water.
5) Strain and add Chlorine Bleach (household bleach). Suggest a bleach of 5.25% solution
of sodium hypochlorite without soap additives or phosphates. Use 1/8 teaspoon (5-8 drops)
per gallon of water.
6) UV Light.
7) Oxygenated water additive such as “Oxi-Stable" and yet there are other contaminants that
could use high-end filtering.
8) Portable water purification tablets. Iodine based tablets available with taste-neutralizing
tablets. May require 1/2 hour wait time before drinking the water.
9) Portable Aqua Mira Chlorine Dioxide (no iodine or normal chlorine). Makes for an alternative
to Iodine. Note: We don't how these tablets require 4 hours before water is ready to drink.
Warning! Expectant or nursing mothers, along with anyone (male or female) with thyroid
problems should not drink water treated with iodine. Also, others may be affected by the
ongoing use of Iodine beyond for example, a 14 day period.
FOOD & STORAGE
We recommend securing quality long-term shelf life food products for many reasons. Primarily because such foods can be stored for many years. Reducing the need for future food throw away and replacement expenses. Also, it’s easier to set up, less expensive overall, and the foods will last up to 25+ years. So, if you ever need to use your supplies, be it next month or in 10 years, it’s ready.
Food Supply Long-Term: to locate specialty suppliers, see page “Suppliers” for information on both freeze dried and dehydrated food products.
4-Way Food Storage Combination
For long-term (between 2-24+ months) planning, we recommend a unique “4-way food storage combination” approach. The system is based upon applying four different food storage systems independently. For example, you start out with a large base supply of freeze dried and dehydrated foods as your core inventory. The reason is, they have a long-term shelf life and are the most lightweight and compact form of food storage available. You can purchase both freeze dried foods and dehydrated foods, through specialty suppliers. Next, you add canned foods (rotated) into your inventory. Lastly, you can purchase bulk foods through a retail outlet such as “Costco” and repackage the food goods yourself. This is the primarily means by which you can save a considerable amount of money.
Keep in mind, that you could someday find yourself in a situation with no electricity, no oven, and so forth. This is partially where the different food types into come into play. One example is, butter and milk substitutes are available in dehydrated and freeze dried, which could be very useful in a time of having no electricity.
- Freeze Dried Foods
- Dehydrated Foods
- Canned Foods
- Repackaged Bulk Retail Foods.
Note: by combining these four very different food storage systems, you are assured of having covered all of your bases. Plus you will have saved considerable money and achieved a top quality long-term emergency food supply! The 4-Way suggestion is unique and seldom thought about or suggested. We are convinced it's the best long-term food storage strategy period!
Freeze Dried Foods
Freeze dried foods are flash frozen and then dried. They often include a complete meal. Freeze drying removes water from the food by sublimation. The food is sealed in a vacuum chamber which forces the air out. Freeze drying uses temperatures between -50 degrees Celsius and -80 degrees Celsius. This vaporizes the ice. Because of this, freeze dried food retains more nutrients, and much of its original texture, and flavor.
The Food Division of Oregon Freeze Dry is the largest diversified food freeze dryer in the world and provides much of the available product in the U.S. For example, Mountain House and other leading foods suppliers get their product from Oregon Freeze Dry.
Freeze drying removes the water, not the flavor. So freeze dried foods retain virtually all their fresh food taste, vitamins and nutritional content. Free dried weighs substantially less than fresh food because 98% of their water removed. This significantly reduces the food's weight, making it easier to handle and less costly to transport.
Storage life varies according to the product and storage conditions. Store your foods in a cool and dry location. The available Mountain House freeze dried food pouches last 7+ years and #10 cans last 25+ years. For bulk, you should buy the #10 cans.
Dehydrated Foods
Dehydrated foods are the same quality food as you would buy at your local grocery store. They are cleaned, dehydrated, and often about 98% of their moisture is removed. This is done by a highly sophisticated drying process. They are then packed and sealed within a special inert atmosphere to ensure a long storage life. Weight is greatly reduced, and so dehydrated foods are compact and require less storage space. Stored dehydrated foods can lasts 15-25+ years.
We recommend securing quality long-term shelf life food products for many reasons. Primarily because such foods can be stored for many years. Reducing the need for future food throw away and replacement expenses. Also, it’s easier to set up, less expensive overall, and the foods will last up to 25+ years. So, if you ever need to use your supplies, be it next month or in 10 years, it’s ready.
Food Supply Long-Term: to locate specialty suppliers, see page “Suppliers” for information on both freeze dried and dehydrated food products.
4-Way Food Storage Combination
For long-term (between 2-24+ months) planning, we recommend a unique “4-way food storage combination” approach. The system is based upon applying four different food storage systems independently. For example, you start out with a large base supply of freeze dried and dehydrated foods as your core inventory. The reason is, they have a long-term shelf life and are the most lightweight and compact form of food storage available. You can purchase both freeze dried foods and dehydrated foods, through specialty suppliers. Next, you add canned foods (rotated) into your inventory. Lastly, you can purchase bulk foods through a retail outlet such as “Costco” and repackage the food goods yourself. This is the primarily means by which you can save a considerable amount of money.
Keep in mind, that you could someday find yourself in a situation with no electricity, no oven, and so forth. This is partially where the different food types into come into play. One example is, butter and milk substitutes are available in dehydrated and freeze dried, which could be very useful in a time of having no electricity.
- Freeze Dried Foods
- Dehydrated Foods
- Canned Foods
- Repackaged Bulk Retail Foods.
Note: by combining these four very different food storage systems, you are assured of having covered all of your bases. Plus you will have saved considerable money and achieved a top quality long-term emergency food supply! The 4-Way suggestion is unique and seldom thought about or suggested. We are convinced it's the best long-term food storage strategy period!
Freeze Dried Foods
Freeze dried foods are flash frozen and then dried. They often include a complete meal. Freeze drying removes water from the food by sublimation. The food is sealed in a vacuum chamber which forces the air out. Freeze drying uses temperatures between -50 degrees Celsius and -80 degrees Celsius. This vaporizes the ice. Because of this, freeze dried food retains more nutrients, and much of its original texture, and flavor.
The Food Division of Oregon Freeze Dry is the largest diversified food freeze dryer in the world and provides much of the available product in the U.S. For example, Mountain House and other leading foods suppliers get their product from Oregon Freeze Dry.
Freeze drying removes the water, not the flavor. So freeze dried foods retain virtually all their fresh food taste, vitamins and nutritional content. Free dried weighs substantially less than fresh food because 98% of their water removed. This significantly reduces the food's weight, making it easier to handle and less costly to transport.
Storage life varies according to the product and storage conditions. Store your foods in a cool and dry location. The available Mountain House freeze dried food pouches last 7+ years and #10 cans last 25+ years. For bulk, you should buy the #10 cans.
Dehydrated Foods
Dehydrated foods are the same quality food as you would buy at your local grocery store. They are cleaned, dehydrated, and often about 98% of their moisture is removed. This is done by a highly sophisticated drying process. They are then packed and sealed within a special inert atmosphere to ensure a long storage life. Weight is greatly reduced, and so dehydrated foods are compact and require less storage space. Stored dehydrated foods can lasts 15-25+ years.
Canned Foods
Next, there are your canned food supplies. Canned foods which you can either prepare yourself, or purchase through your local retail stores. Add a variety of canned foods to your inventory. Use a marker to date and rotate cans through ongoing usage. Note: many types of canned foods can be stored for years. While others may only last 1-2 years. It depends upon the type of food canned. For example, tomato sauce type products have a relatively short shelf-life.
Repackaged Bulk Retail Foods
You can save considerable money by purchasing food products through such retail outlets as Sam’s Club and Costco. Round out your food supply inventory by adding some bulk quantity of grains, beans, rice, pastas, sugar, salt, evaporated milk and so forth. For long-term storage of such products, you need to be prepared to repackage these items with the aid of Mylar bags, moisture absorbers, and food grade 5-gallon plastic buckets with sealed lids.
What About MREs?
MREs are great for planned camping trips, mountain climbing and after a disaster which has already occurred. Seriously, the reason we don’t highly promote them more as a good emergency food supply option is based upon our concerns regarding their shelf life. As with all foods, warmer temperatures does reduce food shelf life. However, MREs are more susceptible to a shortened shelf life when compared to such alternatives as freeze dried and dehydrated foods. Since we strongly believe a food supply should be reliable long-term, we only recommend MREs for usage within the next 2-5+ years. Each of the three food types should have a place in your inventory.
MRE shelf life depends upon the particular type of packaged food, storage environmental fluctuations, including adverse higher temperatures. Whereas, we typically recommend emergency food supplies which are more reliable in the long-term. This way, should you need to use your food supply within the next month, year, or decade, you are assured that your food supply will be as fresh as possible. In defense of MRE's, they are a great source of a ready made meals when traveling. MREs can be eaten hot or cold, and if needed for the long-term you simply need to be careful and rotate the older meals out and replace with fresh ones over time.