Be Prepared for the Hurricane With These Foods & Drinks

on August 25, 2011 at 2:17 PM

stock cans of soup in case of hurricane If you've been following the weather reports as much as I have, you're likely on the brink of an anxiety attack as Hurricane Irene prepares to slam into the East Coast sometime this weekend. But as my co-workers repeatedly reassure me (and they'd better not be just trying to make me shut up), there's no need to panic. Better instead to re-direct all that nervous energy into preparing for the hurricane. One of the things at the top of the hurricane preparedness list? Stocking up on food and drinks. Here are some ideas:

It's a good idea to stock up on plenty of foods that you don't have to cook (or only cook minimally) just in case the power goes out. A good rule of thumb is to stock enough foods for three to seven days. Here are some basic foods that are good to have on hand.

Dry cereal with shelf-stable milk in laminated paper cartons
Ramen noodles or dry soup mix
Canned meals like soups, spaghetti, ravioli, chili, etc.
High energy foods like dried fruit, nuts, trail mix, granola bars
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Canned fruits, vegetables, and pre-cooked meat/fish
Meal replacement bars
Instant oatmeal
Dry pasta and jarred tomato sauce

For even more ideas of foods to stock in preparation of a hurricane, check out the American Red Cross Recommendations.

Also, I got a tip from a seasoned hurricane survivor who recommends stocking up on plenty of red wine because, as she so eloquently explained, "You don't want to be stuck drinking warm chardonnay if the power goes out."

Oh, and water! Don't forget the two gallons of water. That's certainly more important than the wine. Except if you are freaking out about the storm like I am -- then both beverages are a good idea. Canned juice that doesn't need refrigeration is good, too.

And don't forget: When it comes to gathering supplies for a hurricane, one of the most important items to stock beside the flashlight is a can opener (and a wine opener, for that matter).

Are you stocking up for the hurricane?

Image via stevendepolo/Flickr

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: food, in the news, suggestions, weather

Comments (10)

ceciliam

on Aug 25, 2011 at 4:56 PM

Thanks for this.

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on Aug 25, 2011 at 4:57 PM

I'm about to start stocking up in preparation for Hurricane irene.

ethans_momma06

on Aug 25, 2011 at 5:38 PM

Great list! It's important for everyone to prepare for natural disasters

fryshannon34

on Aug 25, 2011 at 9:01 PM

no hurricanes here in illinoois!

KristinRox

on Aug 25, 2011 at 11:20 PM

Yeah Ill probably pick up a couple of things while I go to walmart tomorrow. I wont go too berserk though. Im pretty sure its going to be a bit windy and maybe rainy but it wont be any big deal.

on Aug 25, 2011 at 11:21 PM

I have most of the things on the list though already.. what is "shelf stable" milk though?

easunshine

on Aug 26, 2011 at 3:36 AM

@Kristin - It's milk in a box pretty much. It's "shelf stable" because you can stock up on it and it doesn't have to be refrigerated (except should be after it's opened). You can get 16oz cartons at the Dollar Tree. Personally, I prefer to keep powdered milk on hand because you can make it by the serving size. It may taste a little different, but it does the trick for cereal and whatnot.

TempestRayne

on Aug 26, 2011 at 11:04 AM

ALso make sure to have charcoal or gas on hand. And the stuff to make smores. We stock up on things like baked beans and tinned goods. Make it like a camp out and it'll be easier on the kids!

L1558

on Aug 26, 2011 at 11:57 AM

Don't forget the t.p.! lol

We're in the country. When we lose power, we also lose water (yep, lovely). Since we are in the middle of nowhere it can be real fun waiting to see when folks will come around to fix things.

Therefore: for folks who lose their water, too- here are some things. A few gallons of water for drinking/washing hands, a few packs of cleansing /instant shower wipes, makeup remover wipes for you ladies who wear makeup or have daughters that do (or sons, not judging! ;o)), and some paper cups/plates (because we can't "do" dishes with no water). We also recommend a few gallons for emergency flushing of commodes, although we can tote it from our pond by 5-gallon bucket with the 4-wheeler or you can simply plug up your bathtub when it gets stormy, and fill it with a few gallons to save for during the outage.

Sandwiches, nabs, fresh fruit, dried fruit/granola bars, chips, cookies...we basically eat as if we are schoolkids having lunch. :) Those of you who have grills and food about to go bad...get to grilling! :)

Facebook comment from Stephanie Belardo

on Aug 28, 2011 at 1:23 AM

I always keep most of those things mentioned in my pantry anyway. I have my wineready along with cheese, fruit, and lots of candles (it would be romanitc if I wasn't single. :( ). I also have bottled water, stuff for sandwiches and have made a bunch of ice. I have my cooler ready as well and propane for the grill.