To judge how long you can store food supplies, look for an expiration date or best if used by date on the product. If you can not find a date on the product, then the general recommendation is to store food products for six months and then replace them. Some households find it helpful to pull food products for their regular meals from their disaster supplies kit and replace them immediately on an ongoing basis, so the food supplies are always fresh. Try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don t stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty.
Familiar foods can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress.
Also, canned foods won t require cooking, water or special preparation. Take into account your family s unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Store supplies of non-perishable foods and water in a handy place. You need to have these items packed and ready in case there is no time to gather food from the kitchen when disaster strikes.