National Preparedness Month is observed each September in the United States. During this month, Americans are encouraged to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

Are you ready for an emergency?

In an emergency, most people experience stress. Generally, one focuses on meeting more basic needs over health and food variety. Eating healthy is the farthest thing on a person’s mind during an emergency. Many people grab the nearest non-perishable foods that are available, and they are not always the healthiest. However, if you plan ahead and effectively, you can have a great variety of foods and nutrients. Therefore, be prepared to eat healthy by following these three easy steps:

1. Plan Ahead

Choose foods that can be used up in one meal so there are not any leftovers.

Have two coolers readily available for when or if the electricity goes out. One cooler is for the items you want to keep long-term and the other is for the foods that are used most often.

2. Be Informed

Buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are partially green and can last longer.

Instead of fatty and sugary foods, stock-up on healthy items with lengthy expiration dates. Examples include:

• Peanut butter
• Whole-grain crackers
• Nuts and trail mixes
• Whole-grain bread
• Granola bars
• Whole-grain cereal
• Dried fruits
• Canned tuna in water
• Low sodium canned vegetables
• Canned salmon
• Canned fruits in 100% juice
• Canned chicken
• Dried powdered skim milk
• Canned turkey

Storm time is not a time for leisure. Keep up with your regular meal time. Try eating foods from the different food groups, watch out for portion sizes, and drink lots of water and exercise. You do not need electricity to make healthy choices during the storm.

3. Play it Safe

Tune in to the news to see just how severe the thunderstorm is predicted to be. Stay indoors away from windows and stay calm.

Resources:
Be Ready! September is National Preparedness Month