Newswise — Disasters can strike any time and any place. According to the food and nutrition experts of the American Dietetic Association, advance preparation can help you and your family survive and remain healthy during a disaster and afterward.
"Staying hydrated following a disaster is essential, since both humans and our pets can survive longer without food than without water," says registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Ruth Frechman. "When stocking supplies, make sure you have enough bottled water for a minimum of 72 hours, or at least one gallon per person per day."
Frechman offers additional advice on coping with disaster:
"Eat foods that are ready-to-eat, pre-packaged or canned if a can opener is available. Make sure all cans and utensils are washed or clean and throw away any food that comes into contact with flood waters. For perishable foods, only open refrigerator and freezer doors when necessary. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperature for two days if doors remain closed; a half-full freezer for one day.
"An emergency generator is also helpful. Check it regularly to make sure it is working properly," Frechman says.
According to the American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, (2nd edition, Wiley, 2004), the following items should be in a family's emergency supply:
Food "¢ Water: one gallon of bottled water per person per day"¢ Canned juices, shelf-stable milk (for powdered or concentrated, store extra water)"¢ Pre-packaged beverages (foil packets and foil-lined boxes that are tightly sealed)"¢ Instant oatmeal, granola bars, energy bars"¢ Ready-to-eat canned meat, vegetables, fruit, soup, stew"¢ Instant coffee and tea"¢ Peanut butter or other nut butters, jelly"¢ Trail mix, dried fruits, unsalted nuts, low-salt crackers"¢ Packets of sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise and creamer.
Cooking"¢ Can opener"¢ Waterproof matches"¢ Heavy-duty aluminum foil"¢ Paper towels"¢ Paper plates, cups"¢ Plastic knives, forks, spoons"¢ Barbeque grill, camp stove, pots, pans"¢ Fuel for cooking (charcoal, propane, etc.)"¢ Dry ice packs.
Sanitation"¢ Large plastic trash bags, trash cans"¢ Bar soap, liquid detergent"¢ Liquid sanitizer, anti-bacterial wet wipes (use to wipe off cans of food prior to opening)"¢ Household bleach"¢ Toilet paper"¢ Toothpaste, toothbrushes"¢ Shampoo.
Safety"¢ Essential medication (for yourself and your pets)"¢ Freshly stocked first-aid kit"¢ Flashlight, portable radio or TV, batteries"¢ Work-weight gloves, disposable rubber gloves, masks"¢ Sunscreen (at least 20 SPF), hats, bandanas"¢ Candles, waterproof matches"¢ Fire extinguisher"¢ Tent"¢ Sturdy shoes, heavy socks"¢ Extra pair of eyeglasses, goggles"¢ Air raft or self-inflatable mattress"¢ Razor blades, knife"¢ Garden hose (in case of fire)"¢ Shovel, broom, ax"¢ Hammer screwdriver, pliers"¢ Duct tape, rope.
"While no one wants to think about a disaster happening to them, being prepared for one can be your best defense," Frechman says.
The American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With nearly 65,000 members, the Chicago-based ADA serves the public by promoting optimal health and well-being for all people. Visit ADA at http://www.eatright.org.
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