Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

My friend recently returned from a trip to Canada. Instead of snuggling up to the fire during Christmas and sipping hot chocolate, she and her family and friends were in survival mode. Ice storms had blanketed the area and often there was no electric, roads were impossible to use and stores were shut down. She came home asking herself, " Am I  really prepared for a disaster such as an earthquake."  Her comment got me thinking about people on restricted diets and disasters.

Are those of us who are gluten-free really prepared for a disaster?  It is recommended that a person have 3 days worth of food and essentials in a prepared kit. BUT what about the GF people. Will  Red Cross or other emergency responders such as FEMA have GF food or GF Medication?

I know I often talk about whole foods vs processed foods but this is one situation where processed foods could save your life. I would consider preparing enough food for 7 days, if you are GF or have a restricted diet. 

Examples of GF Foods to put in a kit:
GF Protein bars
Dried GF cereals or granola 
Jars of nut butters
Small individual containers of applesauce or other fruit
GF granola bars
GF Crackers
Juice boxes
Canned vegetables
Canned tuna or salmon
GF cookies (everyone needs stress food during a disaster)
REMEMBER a can opener if the cans are not a pop top. 

The California Science Center ,and Ready.gov have a list of suggested things to put in a disaster kit as well as what to do before and after a disaster. You can also get valuable information from the Red Cross and FEMA website.

Remember to include: (please refer to the links above for a complete list)

• Gluten-Free Foods
• Clean Water
• Cash
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Hand wipes
• Flashlights 
• Extra batteries
• Cell Phone Charger
• Change of clothes and shoes
• All Medication including an epinephrine auto-injector or inhaler if you need them                               
• Written medical information about you so that a rescuer will know what to do.
• List of contacts and family members
• I have a contact family member in another state so that we can all call the same person and check in. 

BEING PREPARE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!