Your neighborhood is being overwhelmed by Mother Nature’s wrath as trees tremble wildly, rain pours down in torrents, and thunderclaps echo through the cloudy skies. You are suddenly cut off from the soothing buzz of contemporary conveniences as the power outage loudly advertises its impending arrival. You have a thought when you pull out your supply of storm chips, the classic guilty pleasure during blackouts. Is there more to sustaining oneself than simply indulging in salty and crunchy snacks?
The need of nutrition increases during emergencies and bad weather that leaves us in unexpected darkness and isolation. While storm chips may provide a tasty haven in such circumstances, it is prudent to explore a variety of meals that might satisfy hunger, provide necessary sustenance, and perhaps provide some solace during the blues associated with a power outage.
Plan ahead
Make robust snacks that you can keep on the counter if you have time before the storm strikes. Consider muffins, cookies, or loaves that contain nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or vegetable/fruit purée to help you feel fuller for longer. These muffins with pumpkin spice are perfect; if you’re short on time, skip the icing and add some pumpkin seeds instead. Or make some gluten-free, one-bowl cowgirl cookies or no-bake protein energy nibbles.
Stock up on peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, fruit, vegetables, dry cereal, canned goods, bread, fruit, and hard-boiled eggs that are already cooked. So that you are not fumbling in the dark, keep essential preparation tools (such as a can opener and cutting board) out on the counter.
Coffee should be ground, don’t forget! Make your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate ahead of time and keep it in a thermos if a power outage appears likely. There will be hours of heat.
Make quick and hearty meals
After the electricity goes out, you may still make brisk, filling dinners using the ingredients in your pantry. Make a salad of mixed beans; any canned beans will do; serve it with nachos for an impromptu taco night. Add siracha sauce, a hard-boiled egg, and any fresh vegetables you have on hand to instant ramen noodles to jazz them up. Additionally, adding almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, sliced apples or bananas, or any other basic ingredient combination you have on hand, is a simple way to bulk up instant packet oatmeal.
Safety first
Consider how you’ll heat up any soup, pasta, or chili that you plan to eat from a can if you don’t have access to electricity. It is possible to use a wood stove or a camp stove. Never use a grill or camp stove inside your home. They are fire dangers and emit dangerous carbon monoxide that is invisible and odorless. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times (note: the same applies for generators; never operate them inside your home or garage).
Leave the fridge alone
If you wish to grill during the outage, keep the food in your kitchen freezer within easy reach rather than hiding it away in your deep freezer. As much as possible, keep the fridge and freezer doors closed to maintain a chilly environment. Food will remain frozen in a full freezer for around 48 hours. Food will remain frozen in a half-full freezer for around 24 hours. Fill a half-full freezer with ice packs or water bottles before the storm comes to keep goods frozen longer. Emptied, washed milk jugs can be used for this purpose.
When to toss
Knowing when to throw away food from the freezer or refrigerator after a protracted power loss is crucial. Food that is perishable in the refrigerator (such as raw meat, seafood, or lunch meat, milk, soft cheeses, casseroles, and mayonnaise) should be thrown out after spending more than two hours above 4°C. Butter, margarine, hard cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, salad dressings, mustard, ketchup, and barbecue sauce, as well as jams and jellies, are examples of non-perishable foods that can be kept above 4°C for a number of days. In doubt, toss it out!
If you want to learn more on how to prepare during calamities, visit https://www.yourdoctors.ca/blog/healthy-living/storm-food
Reference: https://www.yourdoctors.ca/
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