Tips For Preparing A Healthy Hurricane Kit

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — As Tampa Bay area residents are hopefully finalizing their preparations for the upcoming hurricane season, the Pinellas County Health Department is offering some insight on the kinds of food and drink items to have on hand.

The federal government recommends at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food for everyone in a household. That recommendation doesn’t have to mean stocking up on flavorless, unhealthy foods and snacks, local officials say.

“It’s a simple change to include healthy food items when assessing and updating your family emergency kit,” an email from the agency said. “To decide which foods to include in your emergency supply kit, first make a list of healthy foods that can be stored without refrigeration and that require no electricity to prepare.”

Some of the options the agency recommends include:

• Canned or vacuum-sealed nuts
• Oatmeal, which can be prepared by boiling water on a gas stove
• Beans, the agency noted can “add a healthy change from other room temperature foods.”
• Dried fruit and other high-energy snacks
• Granola
• Canned tuna
• Crackers
• Peanut butter
• Stove-top popcorn that can be made on a gas stove
• Sports drinks with low sugar content
• Canned 100 percent fruit juices
• A three-day supply of water for each person

The health department also strongly recommends stocking up on any special foods that infants, children or pets might need. Emergency supply kits should be kept in a cool, dry place. Remember to also include such items as a manual can opener, weather radio, first aid supplies, a flashlight, wipes, garbage bags and other critical items.

For more ideas on creating a healthy disaster kit, visit the Florida Department of Health online. The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season kicks off June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.

To find out more about hurricane season and storm preparation, read these related Patch stories:

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

Image courtesy of the National Weather Service's Facebook page