Myth: Getting prepared for a disaster like a flood is too complicated.

Answer: BUSTED!

With spring flowers come increased chances of tornadoes, floods and storms which can cause power outages. A little time spent now will keep you prepared. Here are a few tips to get you started on putting together an emergency supply of food:

• Prepare a 3-day emergency supply of food that includes canned items. Keep the items in a cool place. Store in a container that has a snug lid to keep pests out.
• Date foods in your emergency supply. Change every 6 months. Throw out any cans that are corroded, dented or swollen.
• Update your emergency supply every year depending on family members.

What kind of foods go in your emergency food supply?

• Canned foods like ready-to-eat meat and fish, fruits in light juice, low-sodium vegetables or bean salads
• Canned juices (not drinks)
• Other non-perishable items like peanut butter, crackers, jelly, trail mix, granola bars

Be sure to include a can opener and scissors for opening cans and pouches. You might also include some basic spices.

Check out this Recipes for Disaster cookbook that not only provides tips and ideas on stocking your emergency food supply, but also offers recipes for preparing food without electricity or gas.

For more information and tips, refer to Be prepared for emergencies: Creating a 3-day food/water supply.

Contributor: Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933