Prepping tips: Stockpiling non-perishable foods and water

 Even if you're not a prepper, you should think about stocking up on emergency foods for different survival scenarios. This is important because fueling your body with nutritious foods and staying hydrated during a crisis can differ from your regular diet during "normal" times.

Below are some suggestions on what you should have in your survival stockpile before disaster strikes.  

Consider the nutritional value of the food you're buying

If the emergency is disease-related, such as during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) in 2020, you and your family need to eat nutritious foods that will help support your overall health. And because you'll have a limited supply in your emergency preparedness kit or survival stockpile at home, the higher-quality foods you eat the better.

Barry Swanson, professor emeritus of food science at Washington State University, has advised that you will need calories during "a disaster or an emergency."

Swanson added that your diet should also include foods rich in nutrients and fiber because they will help "keep your diet normal."  

But that doesn't mean you can only eat bland foods when SHTF. Plan ahead and make a list of non-perishable items that you can use to make healthy, tasty meals during emergencies.

Below are some items for your survival stockpile:

Bottled water

You should drink enough water every day to stay hydrated. Ensure that you have at least a three-day supply of clean drinking water, and remember that you need at least one gallon per person daily.

If you are normally active, you can prevent dehydration by drinking at least a half gallon of water each day. You can use the other half gallon for cooking and washing.

Don't forget to stock up on clean water for your pets and livestock.

Canned fish 

Canned food such as chicken, tuna, turkey or salmon will usually last at least two years in the pantry. Canned fish is also a great source of essential protein.

If you're stocking up on canned food, make sure you have a manual can opener and an extra one for emergencies.

Canned fruits and vegetables

While fresh produce is great for a balanced diet, canned fruits and vegetables are a great alternative when dealing with survival scenarios.

They can provide you with essential nutrients, making them an ideal hurricane food or natural disaster option.

Alternatively, you can stock up on freeze-dried fruits and vegetables if you want to add more variety to your stockpile. Compared to canned options, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables can last for several years in your stockpile if stored properly.

Nuts and trail mixes

Nuts and trail mixes are high-energy foods. They're also a convenient and healthy snack for different emergencies like a hurricane or tornado.

Buy vacuum-packed containers, which prevent the nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness over time.

Peanut butter

Comforting and a great source of energy, peanut butter is full of "good" fats and protein. Unless the jar indicates otherwise, you don't have to refrigerate peanut butter after opening.