UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
SOUTHWEST REGION NEWS SERVICE
Contact: Dr. Gordon Carriker, agriculture business specialist
Headquartered in Christian County
Tel: (417) 581-3558
E-mail: carrikerg@missouri.edu

Start New Year with Fresh Emergency Supplies

This is the time of year when winter storms could confine the family at home.

That is why Dr. Gordon Carriker, an agriculture business specialist with University of Missouri Extension and coordinater of Extension’s emergency response team in southwest Missouri, says now is a great time to check on and update your emergency supply kit.

“Once you have an emergency kit together, re-check it at least once a year and update the food, water and other things. Making sure these things are in your family’s kit will make everyone better prepared for those emergencies that can occur anytime,” said Carriker.

For starters, every kit needs water, food, a first aid kit, tools and supplies, clothing and bedding and special items.
     
“Plan to store lightweight foods that need no preparation or refrigeration. When buying items for the kit, make sure there are enough items for at least a three day supply and that you get items that family members enjoy,” said Carriker. 

Recommended foods to include are ready-to-eat canned meats, soups, fruits, and vegetables; high-energy foods, such as peanut butter, crackers, nuts, health food bars and trail mix; comfort foods, such as hard candy or other sweets; dried foods, such as raisins, apricots, jerky, potato flakes, powdered milk; and prepackaged beverages.

Most of these food items should be replaced yearly, although powdered milk, dried fruit, crackers and potato flakes generally last only six months. Some foods maybe stored indefinitely, such as vegetable oils, baking powder, instant coffee, tea or cocoa, salt, white rice, dried pasta, and noncarbonated soft drinks.

“It would be helpful to date each food item with a marker and always pay attention to the expiration date, or sell-by date,” said Carriker.

It is also a good idea to set aside at least a three day supply of water per person (allow about one gallon of water per person, per day). It is not necessary to treat the water before storing if it is treated commercially by a water treatment facility.

For information on preparing for a winter storm, contact your local University of Missouri Extension center or go online to: http://extension.missouri.edu/emergency/winterstorm.html.

For information on putting together an emergency supply kit, download the “Family Disaster Planning Kit” online at http://outreach.missouri.edu/swregion/news/disasters/startpage.shtml.

University of Missouri Extension programs focus on the high-priority needs of Missourians. Each county extension center, with oversight by locally elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to practical education on almost anything.
###