By Guest Writer: Susan K. Kingsbury

We have entered the winter storm season, which means it is time to stock your cabinets and pantries with the essentials. Storms rarely appear without warning; it is best to be prepared in advance with shelf-stable foods and snacks that can be easily prepared, and that your family likes. 

Nothing is more stressful than to run to the store last minute only to find bare shelves and few choices for your fussy eaters. Here is a list of items that every family should have on hand at all times during winter months:

1. Bottled water: once the power goes out so does your well pump. Stock up on the bottled stuff — for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. For washing, flushing, and general hygiene, fill your bathtubs and keep a bucket in the bathroom. Lock the bathroom door if you have little ones for safety!
2. Peanut Butter (or other nut butter): an open, jar will last unrefrigerated for three months. 
3. Crackers: Seedy, whole-grain crackers make an excellent blank canvas for any toppings. 
4. Nuts and trail mix: keeps you going and requires no prep. Nuts, raisins, dried fruits, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, etc.
5. Popcorn: Stock up on 2-3 bags of pre-popped popcorn to snack away on – it is healthy, filling and fun!
6. Canned tuna, salmon, chicken: a reliable source of protein. Spread on crackers, bread, celery, and cucumber boats.
7. Fruit: Canned fruit, 100% fruit spreads, individual juice boxes.
8. Vegetables: Canned vegetables. Stock up when they go on sale!
9. Canned Hash, Soup, Chili, Beans, Spaghetti-O’s: buy a wide variety, as an excellent source of protein. 
10. Dry Pasta & Jared Pasta Sauce: pasta is the ultimate comfort food for dining while in hibernation. Add a can of chicken for a hearty, hot meal. 
11. Coffee/Tea: Keep a jar of instant or grounds and a French press in your cupboard. 
12. Breakfast:  Cereal, granola, packaged pastries, and powdered milk. 
13. Paper Products: Keep paper plates, bowls, and disposable silverware on hand in the pantry.
14. Medication: At least a one-week supply of prescription medication and medical supplies.
15. Pet Supplies: pet food and medications.
16. Baby Supplies: Baby food, powdered formula. Baby wipes come in handy for all ages!
17. Hand crank can opener!

Quickly Pop out for fresh bread, eggs, and longer-lasting fruits (apple, bananas, oranges) and veggies (tomatoes, onions, squash, celery) and you are good to wether the storm!

Tips on Cooking without Power

Just because the power is out does not mean your only option is to eat cold food. Handy heat sources include a fireplace, fire pit, propane or wood stove, camp stove, or even BBQ. Get creative, do you have a 110 plug in your car? Make fun out of cooking meals in an Instant Pot or slow cooker while listening to music and charging your cell phones!

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES:  To prevent injury or carbon monoxide poisoning use caution when using alternative heat sources for cooking. Only cook with a liquid fuel camp stove or BBQ outside. 

Take labels off and open the tops of cans before heating to prevent fire and pressurized liquid burns. 

Click here for other tips and advice from a local rescue crew on being prepared for storm season

Jen Bailey

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