When preparing for a long term disaster, it is essential to have provisions in place to secure long term needs. That being said, beginning a food supply must begin with research. Finding out how many calories a person needs per day in order to survive, and knowing how much food to store for the long term is essential when beginning to prepare a long term food supply. Additionally, going to survival/prepping forums to read about what others are doing is another way of finding more research. Some suggested items for long term supplies are:
Long Term Supplies
Higher levels of food are needed to last 3+ years. Keep buying some of the short term items to compliment the long term:
- Water
- Larger Amounts of Short Term Supplies
- Vitamins
- Longer Term First Aid Supply
- MRE’s – susceptible for temperature and storage problems. good for more short term problems.
- Canned Goods – find some on sale and make sure of the expiration date. Most last 1-3 years.
- Drink Mixes/Teas/Coffee
- Oil
- #10 cans – Freeze Dried foods can last for 20-30 year shelf life. Buckets of mylar packaging material.
- Seeds of all kinds – Heirloom and Non-GMO seeds are better. Some to grow, and some to be used for sprouts (pumpkin, alfalfa, broccoli, lentil).
- Mylared Packaged Goods or Super pails of Goods – grains, rice, beans, oats, legumes, flour, corn meal, powdered milk, sugar, salt, baking powder.
- Spices
- Large Storage Containers
- Tools – Axes Shovels, Wrenches, Hammers, Multi Use Pliers, Farming Tools
- Wood – pre chopped
- Matches and Other Fire Starting Equipment
- Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils – You dont want to waste water on washing dishes.
- Matches and Other Fire Starting Equipment
- Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils – You dont want to waste water on washing dishes.
- Bleach
- Freeze Dried Foods
- Personal Hygiene (Paper, Towels, Toilet Paper, Soap, Deodorant, Toothpaste)
- Clothing (Lots of Warm Clothing, and Items to Layer Under)
- Food For Pets
- Gasoline and Other Fuels (Keronsene, Lamp Oil)
- Candles (Camping Candles Burn Longer)
- Ziploc Bags
- Garbage Bags
- Batteries
- Weapons – Just in Case
I think it is poor advice to tell people to keep baking powder in long term storage. It will lose its potency and be of no value when you need it the most. However, you should store the components of baking powder so you can make your own. They are baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch.
1 tsp baking powder = 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/4 tsp cornstarch + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
One more comment on this. Store bought baking powder usually has aluminum in it.