Gluten-free Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies and disasters occur every day around the world and effect millions every year. This is a fact of life that cannot be changed or predicted.

Recently the Waldo Canyon wildfire in Colorado Springs, Colorado temporarily displaced 32,000 people and destroyed 346 homes.

Many of the evacuees in this disaster require or choose a gluten-free diet but did not have access to these foods in the evacuation and relief centers. Logistically it is not feasible for disaster relief agencies to accommodate for each individual's dietary needs.

Are you prepared for an emergency with the gluten-free foods you need to survive? If you are not, you aren't alone. For so many with a gluten-free diet this hasn't been a realistic option until recently.

We have found a few great resources to help get you started in building your family's gluten-free emergency kit.

The first of these are the "Gluten Free Emergency kits". These kits are produced by Teri's Gluten Free and come in 24 hour, 72, hour, 30 day and one year kits.

Each meal package feed 5-6 people and contains all natural ingredients.
These meals only require water to prepare and are sealed in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Gluten Free Emergency kits have a shelf life of 5 years, unless stored at 68 degrees in a dry and dark area, then 10 year shelf life.

Visit www.glutenfreeemergencykits.com for more information.

The next option is Gluten Free Backpacking and Camping Foods by Trail Foods Express. These are primarily made for camping but have a large variety and are great for smaller families. Most meals contain 2 servings.

Visit www.trailfoodexpress.com for more information.

In addition to these options you may want to pack individually wrapped gluten-free snacks such as, meal bars, fruit snacks and candy bars.

The shelf life of all these products can vary and should be rotated in your emergency kit accordingly.

FEMA recommends that you have emergency supplies ready and packed in a kit for 3 days or more.

It is recommended that have a plan for these three scenarios and review them with your family.

1) For staying in your home. Stock an emergency kit for at least 3 days use.

2) For going to a safe location. Pack a go-bag for at least 3 days use when you need to leave home.

3) For your car.  Pack a travel bag for use when you can’t get home.

Make sure EVERYONE knows how to find the emergency kit, go-bag, and travel bag.

Suggestions for your emergency kit.

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable gluten-free food. You may want to avoid cans due to size and weight.

Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.

Flashlight and extra batteries.

Waterproof matches

Lighter

First aid kit

First aid book

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place (eg. broken windows, roof)

Moist towelettes, bucket, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities – show family members now how to do this

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Items You Can Add to Your Emergency Supply Kit.

Prescription medications and glasses

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

Cash or traveler’s checks and change

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) – PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire Extinguisher that everyone knows how to use

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Disposable camera

Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench, heavy work gloves, and bungee cords to deal with house damage.

Don't be caught unprepared, build your gluten- free emergency kit today.
 
 www.glutenfreewithkimberly.com