Create a healthy emergency food stockpile

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Q: What is involved with preparedness?

A: Preparedness means individuals, families and communities being ready in the event of a disaster or hazard such as pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters and other emergencies.

The three steps to preparedness are 1) Get a Kit; 2) Make a Plan; and 3) Be Informed (see www.getready.gov). Getting a preparedness kit means having a stockpile of at least three-days worth of food, water and supplies on hand, mindful that you could also be without basic services such as gas, water, electricity, sewer, phone. Making a plan involves communicating with your family the details of where to meet, who to call, and what to do in case of an emergency. Being informed is about knowing the potential dangers in your area and how to respond to them.

Getting (and maintaining) a kit takes a bit of thought and time, but it is something we all should do. Besides food and water, there are non-edible items one would need in a kit. Examples are clothing, eyeglasses, flashlight and batteries, portable radio, a first aid kit and more. However, today's discussion will focus on food and how to amass a stockpile of healthy food for your kit.

Creating a stockpile means you'll have to resort to some prepared foods like canned and/or pre-packaged items. This can make many of us who mainly consume fresh, local, organic, etc. become anxious. However, we can mitigate the discomfort by making the healthiest choices possible when assembling our stockpiles. Here are some pointers.

Emergency stockpile

Low sodium, low fat: Fortunately, today there are a lot of healthy options available even with canned and prepared goods. Organic canned, jarred or otherwise nonperishable foods are readily available under many brand names, and even Campbell's has low sodium options. Look on the labels for terms like: low sodium, low fat, natural, packed in water, packed in their own juices.

Snack items: Crackers and chips tend to be pretty high in sodium. These items are not healthy, and furthermore, with a limited water supply, you'll want to stock these as a treat or comfort food, rather than as a staple. Think low sodium crackers and unsalted nuts.

What about water? The rule of thumb for stockpiling water is at least one gallon per day per person. That amount should cover drinking, food and personal use like brushing your teeth. Even if you "shelter in place," which means accessing your stockpile at home, and can tap into the contents of your hot water heater, you should have containers of fresh water set aside. Water needs to be rotated regularly because bacteria will build in it. Next time you see some commercially bottled water, take a good look: it will have a "use by" date stamped on it. Refresh your supply every six months.

How often should food be replenished? One of the most important points to remember is that sooner or later, edibles spoil. Just as we should regularly go through our freezers, refrigerators and pantries to cull expired items, so should we replenish our stockpile. Six months is a good rotation schedule for checking food items. Put your own date sticker on any food or beverage that does not already have one. Inspect items for bulging or leakage. Discard expired or suspicious-looking food. And regardless, rotate your water every 6 months.

What are some examples of healthy food for the stockpile? The best choices are foods that require no refrigeration, little or no preparation, no cooking, and little or no water added to them. That narrows it down, but it's doable. Canned or vacuum-sealed chicken, meat, fish or beans provides protein. Canned fruit packed in water and low sodium canned veggies are good. Protein and fruit bars are a treat, yet also nutritious. Dry cereal and granola can be consumed with non-perishable pasteurized or dried powdered milk. Peanut butter is a good staple, as are dried fruits and trail mix. Unsalted nuts provide good snacks and protein, but rotate these regularly as they easily become rancid. Consider canned fruit juice and low sodium crackers.

Storage Containers

What kinds of containers are best for storing the food stockpile? The main concern is keeping your items inaccessible to insects and rodents. Many folks like to store all items in large plastic bins with secure lids. Be sure you keep the bin where the temperature is somewhat stable. Extreme heat or cold can impact the quality of the food.

Miscellaneous tips

• No soda. Stick with water or juice and have instant lemonade or tea mix if necessary.

• Remember your medications.

• Special diets (diabetes, hypertension) need to be considered when selecting foods.

• Include a can/bottle opener and knives/forks/spoons/dishes/plates. Paper dishes are good because you won't have to wash them.

• Include food, treats and water for the pets.

WHOOPING COUGH EPIDEMIC IN CALIFORNIA

In neighboring California, confirmed cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, is now four times that of last year. Local health officials encourage Tdap boosters for any adult up to 64 years of age that is in close contact with an infant. Whooping cough boosters for adults and vaccine for infants is available at Carson City Health and Human Services.

Clinics

Community Flu Vaccination Day is Oct. 16

Free vaccinations from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Walk-In: Carson Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, Carson City

• Drive-Through: Nevada National Guard, 2460 Fairview Drive, Carson City of Carson City

• Drive-Through: East Fork Fire Station 12, 3620 North Sunridge Drive, Douglas County

Carson City Health and Human Services

Clinic Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Friday, by appointment

Immunization Day HOURS: Including flu vaccinations, when it becomes available, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m., No appointment needed

WHERE: 900 East Long St., Carson City

CALL: 775-887-2195

On the Web

Check out our new website at:

www.gethealthycarsoncity.org.

Take a quick survey about smoke-free parks and events at:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/26GV68W or through our Facebook page.

• Pam Graber, Public Information Officer, Carson City Health and Human Services 775-283-7906 pgraber@carson.org