Gluten-Free Emergency Kits

Do you have a gluten-free emergency kit? Has the thought ever crossed your mind in the case of a disaster of some sort? Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or even summer storms can wreak havoc and leave destruction in their wake. If your power was out for longer than 12-24 hours, what would you do?

After 9-11, I really began to freak out about being prepared for an emergency. I live nowhere close to NYC, but what if some kind of a disaster were to strike close to our home and we were unable to get food for whatever reason? This was all before we had to eat gluten-free, too. Sure, keeping gallons of water, flashlights, batteries, and blankets is easy whether you are gluten-free or not. Keeping food around may not be as easy unless you plan ahead.

There are checklists available here to outline the most important items to have on hand. Included in the link above are basic lists and then suggested additions. A three-day supply is suggested for food and water. Make sure to take into account that water is per person. If you have pets, do not forget to plan ahead for them. Here are some basic gluten-free food items that can be included in an emergency kit:

• Lara Bars, Pure Bars, Zing Bars or other fruit/nut bar
• Canned meat – tuna and salmon are good choices
• Canned beans – good source of protein/carbs
• Nuts
• Non-perishable, pasteurized milk (Horizon Organic makes individual boxes)
• Vitamins
• Gluten-free crackers
• Gluten-free cereal
• Peanut butter (other nut butter are good, too, but some need to be kept in the refrigerator)
• Dried fruit

Gluten-free Emergency Kits sells pre-packaged emergency kits for 24 hours, 72 hours, or 30 days. The 72-hour kit feeds a family of 4 and has a shelf life of 5 years. A description from the site:

The kit is shipped in boxes, has a shelf life of four to five years if stored properly between 68 to 70 degrees. The products are packaged in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

Mixes From The Heartland Inc. has developed a complete gluten-free emergency food kit that supplies the necessary ingredients to provide meals for a family of four to six people for seventy-two hours. The purchaser of the kit needs only to add water to have savory, gluten-free meals that can be consumed by the whole family.

In addition to food and water, make sure to set aside any medications that family members may need in case of an emergency. Extra glasses or contact lenses, extra batteries for hearing aids, and information on any medical devices, if used.

After you get the emergency kit figured out, be sure to make a plan. Making a plan includes things like subscribing to alert services, informing all family members how to contact one another, and including pre-paid calling cards or money in the kit.

The last bit of information is to be informed. What kinds of unexpected situations could require your family to put an emergency plan into action? Forms and publications on the plans and some of the links provided above can be downloaded or ordered here.