Disasters often strike without warning or with little warning. Stocking up the right non-perishable food items can help you weather the storm.

Fuelling your body during an emergency is different from your everyday diet. Your body will use more energy, so you should eat high-energy,...

Non-perishable food items that have lengthy expiration dates to stash away:

• Peanut butter is a good source of energy with healthful fats and protein.
• Whole-wheat crackers is a suitable replacement for bread. Vacuum-packing your crackers can pro...

Keep a can opener on hand at all times.

• Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey can last two years in the pantry. They provide essential protein.
• Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas.
• Canned soups and chilli...

When there is still time to run to the market, buy fresh produce and food items with shorter shelf lives.

Foods to buy:

• Apples can last up to three months when stored in a cool, dry area away from fruit that ripens more quickly, like bananas.

• Refrigerated food that spends more than four hours over 40º Fahrenheit is not safe to eat. However, if food is still cool to the touch, they're safe.
• If you don't have electricity, heat food outside on a charcoal grill or propane stove. For indoors, keep a can of Sterno, or heat in a...