I got this pic of a local grocery store's egg isle from a buddy of mine in the DC Metro area. On the plus side, upon hearing the news of an impending snowstorm (14-20 inches anticipated), people did go to the store to get supplies in advance. On the down side, launching a raid on the egg isle isn't really the best tactic.... nor is making a run on milk... nor, frankly, mass-hoarding any other highly perishable item. Thing is, you never know what is going to happen. The power might go out. The storm might stall. The event might trigger any number of actions that would require you and your family to shelter-in-place for an extended period of time. So, instead of highly perishable items, when packing or preparing for a storm or potential shelter-in-place event, it is best to consider foods that have a longer shelf life. Foods that have a longer shelf life include ready-to-eat meats (e.g. beef jerky, canned ham, chicken or tuna), canned fruits and vegetables, canned or boxed juices, BOXED or powdered milk, canned soups, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, trail mix and vitamins.
Also remember foods for infants and for persons on special diets (e.g., low sodium or gluten-free). Cookies and hard candy are also a must for our shelter-in-place, emergency kit. The idea is to get foods that will enable you to keep them in a stored location in anticipation of an event BEFORE the rush on the store happens and those which will help you get through at least 3 days of shelter-in-place for each family/household member. Oh, and don't forget about the pets. Throw some dried and canned food into that stash for them, as well.
You should keep the canned foods in a dry place, where the temperature is fairly cool. To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in a tightly closed plastic or metal container. Replace the items in your food supply every six months - date them with a marker. Obviously, either use them or discard any items past their expiration date(s) or if the containers are broken, dented, or corroded.
Food is just one of the items you should consider when packing a shelter-in-place or 72 hour kit. For more info that addresses clothing, first aid supplies, water, tools and more, check out READYColorado.
What about for non-emergency events? Load up on eggs. Seriously, there are few things better than a well-made ham and cheese omelette.
