As Hurricane Francine threatens the Gulf Coast, it’s a reminder to be prepared in case of a natural disaster.
Francine is forecast to make landfall on the Louisiana coast on Thursday, giving residents little time to prepare. But there are some recommended provisions that can help ease a family’s concerns in the event of a prolonged power outage after the storm.
Read on to learn about five things FEMA and other organizations recommend people buy before they go shopping. a storm Approach.
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1. Water
at least one in every home One gallon of water, Online pamphlets from FEMA and the American Red Cross say $100 per person, per day, is needed during an emergency.
” Consider storing for at least two weeks water supplies for each member of your household. If you are unable to store this quantity, store as much as you can,” FEMA and the Red Cross advise.
Hurricane season is at its peak, so it’s important to be prepared in case a disaster strikes. (iStock)
It says that under normal circumstances a person needs half a gallon of water per day, but breastfeeding mothers, children and people living in hot climates need even more.
FEMA and the Red Cross state, “To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency water supply, it is recommended that you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.”
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The booklet says not to ration water when its supply runs low.
It says, “Drink as much as you need today and try to save more for tomorrow.”
Hidden sources of water in a person’s home include “your hot water tank, pipes and ice cubes”.
FEMA and the American Red Cross say never ration water. (iStock)
FEMA and the American Red Cross advise that, “You should not use water from toilet flush tanks or bowls, radiators, waterbeds, or swimming pools/spas.”
2. Packaged foods
FEMA and the American Red Cross say canned foods are particularly useful because they do not spoil for a long time and can be eaten straight away without cooking.
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,canned food “It can be eaten right from the can. If you heat it in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label before heating,” FEMA and the Red Cross said.
Don’t eat foods that are damaged or swollen. Instead, throw these products away, the organization recommends.
Most canned foods can be eaten straight away without cooking. (iStock)
At a minimum, one should keep three days of food available at home. an emergency, FEMA and the Red Cross said.
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Additionally, it is advisable to keep a manual can opener and disposable utensils with you.
3. Shelf-stable protein options
When a storm threatens, it’s also important to have protein options on hand that don’t require refrigeration.
According to the Houston Food Bank Nutrition Education Department website, these include peanut butter (and other nut butters), canned tuna, canned turkey, canned chicken, nuts and jerky.
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Peanut butter and other nut butters are good sources of protein that you can keep on hand to prepare for a storm. (iStock)
According to the website Healthline, protein helps make a person feel full and reduces appetite — as well as boosts metabolism.
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“Take into account dietary restrictions, allergies and food preferences when choosing what types of foods to include,” Red Cross spokeswoman Stephanie Fox told Fox News Digital.
4. Shelf-stable dairy (or dairy alternatives)
Instead of going out and buying a ton of milk before the storm, stock up on shelf-stable varieties, the Houston Food Bank said. There are shelf-stable versions of both dairy milk and milk alternatives (including almond, rice and soy).
According to the website of milk producing company Horizon Organic, shelf-stable milk is pasteurized and packaged differently than other types of milk.
“Shelf-stable milks can be safely stored at room temperature, so you can keep them in the pantry.”
Horizon Organic said, “With UHT pasteurization and airtight, no-light packaging, our shelf-stable milks are safe to store at room temperature, so you can keep them in the pantry.” “UHT pasteurization” is a process that uses very high temperatures to kill bacteria, she said.
However, just like regular milk, these products also have an expiry date and must be consumed before the expiry date.
5. Food for special diets
It is important to consider special dietary needs such as infant food, powdered formula, and the elderly when preparing for delivery. weather disasters, Fox said.
Canned foods, bottled water, and peanut butter are some of the items a person should keep on hand in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; iStock)
It’s also good if you have food that the person enjoys eating.
“Familiar foods are important. They boost morale and provide a sense of security during stressful times,” FEMA and the Red Cross said. “Try to include foods they like and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that don’t require refrigeration, water, special preparation or cooking are best.”
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Fox News Digital has contacted FEMA for comment.
