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Gather provisions you'll need in storm <i>before </i>Weather Channel says a hurricane is coming

 
Shoppers at the New Port Richey Walmart on State Road 54 stock up on canned goods in preparation for Tropical Storm Fay. It&#8217;s best to have supplies well before a storm arrives.
Shoppers at the New Port Richey Walmart on State Road 54 stock up on canned goods in preparation for Tropical Storm Fay. It’s best to have supplies well before a storm arrives.
Published May 30, 2012


Alberto and Beryl have already come calling. They were just lowly tropical storms that apparently didn't know that the hurricane season doesn't start until June 1. • Yikes, that's Friday. • Is your hurricane food kit stocked and ready for Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence or any of the other innocently named blowhards that might come after? If not, it's time to get started.


Stocking supplies for a very rainy and windy day can be expensive. The cost won't change but the sting might be less if you pick up a few things each time you shop. Traditionally, the height of the Atlantic hurricane season is mid August to mid September so it's a good bet that you have some time. Don't dally, though. These storms are sneaky.


Store food in something portable, so you can take it when you evacuate. If you are able to stay home, you may be dealing with long-term power outages rather than structural damage. This is frustrating when everything seems fine but you have no electricity. But it's even more frustrating to be standing in a long line in the blazing sun waiting for water in the hours after the storm has passed. Don't talk yourself out of a hurricane kit just because you have an evacuation plan. An impending storm may not be severe enough to require evacuation.


Some other things to consider as you collect provisions:


• As a storm approaches, do an inventory of your pantry. You may already have foods appropriate for an emergency such as bread, crackers and peanut butter.


• Keep in mind whom you will be feeding when making a list of storm-ready food. Do you have young children, or perhaps a newborn? Are there dietary concerns that are about more than losing weight? For instance, diabetics and people allergic to wheat will need special considerations since so many shelf-stable foods are carb- and grain-laden.


• When the storm season is over and you've hopefully escaped unscathed, cycle the food into your regular meals or donate it to a food shelter. And finally, don't buy what you don't eat regularly. Spam doesn't taste any better when the wind is blowing 75 mph.


Checklist for stocking up


Use this checklist to determine what you've got in the pantry. Then take it to the supermarket to finish stocking your hurricane grocery kit.


Canned soups, chili, vegetables, stews: They can be eaten cold but can also be heated in a pot on the grill.


Cereal: Vitamin-fortified cereal can be eaten dry or with boxed or powdered milk.


Beverages: Juice, power drinks and enhanced water offer an alternative to plain water. Shelf-stable milk can be used for cereals or to drink. Buy in small boxes because once opened, they must be consumed.


Crackers: For snacking or eating with cheese and cold cuts from the fridge just after the power goes out.


Condiments: Mayonnaise is generally a no-no because of refrigeration issues, but buy the smallest jar you can and make tuna or chicken salad. Look for condiments — ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, relish, salt and pepper — in individual packets.


Water: One gallon a day per person for drinking, more if you'll be using it to reconstitute powdered milk. Have enough for seven days.


Fresh fruit: When a storm is a few days away, buy apples and oranges. They last a while, and it is good to eat something fresh.


Healthier snacks: Granola bars, Fruit Roll-Ups, dried fruit, nuts and trail mix offer nutrition and have a long shelf life.


Comfort food: For some of us, that means junk food. You know your family's weaknesses. Keep in mind, though, that salty snacks such as chips and pretzels will make you thirsty. Go easy on them.


Alcohol: A glass of wine may calm your nerves, but a bottle does something else altogether. Cloudy judgment might be one of your worst enemies in a storm. Because of this, stores have been known to halt alcohol sales as a storm approaches.


Other foods to consider: Peanut butter, individual applesauce and fruit cups, rice cakes, dehydrated food (from camping stores) and Meals Ready to Eat (from military surplus stores).


Preserved meats: Beef jerky is high-protein, low-carb and good for diabetics. Canned tuna, chicken, even Spam also provide protein.


Supplies: Garbage bags and ties, paper towels, wipes, fuel (charcoal, lighter fluid, matches) or a full propane tank for the grill, hand sanitizer. Don't forget the manual can opener. Plastic wrap or storage containers.


Tableware: Paper plates, napkins and paper or plastic cups; plastic forks, knives and spoons; a couple of serving spoons, forks and knives for food preparation and serving.


Food for pets: Food and drink for your pets, and their familiar dishes. Vitamins and medications.


Information from Times wires was included in this report. Janet K. Keeler can be reached at jkeeler@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8586.