Know your family's needs for storm prep

I'd like to thank those in Yalaha who invited me to their community center to discuss healthy eating and Dining for Deux. While I was there, I learned about the Arts, Crafts and Pie Festival on Nov. 2. The event is currently seeking vendors. If you would like more information, call Angela Kahan at 352-321-1141. The festival comes at the end of hurricane season.

Colorado State University’s hurricane research department predicts 13 named storms this season. Going even further, they predict that six of those storms will become hurricanes. With numbers like that, it is time for me to recheck the family hurricane kit.

I have always found it odd that as soon as we are told to brace for a storm, the bread and water aisles go totally empty. Are we the only family that eats more than bread and water during a storm? I have learned a lot from the past few hurricanes, including to evaluate the food I already have before bringing more food into my home — especially my freezer. During Hurricane Irma, we were without power for quite some time, and as a result, my freezer was emptied out.

I am old-fashioned when it comes to storing food, considering I do a bit of canning and dehydrating. I also believe in having extra food on hand, but there can also be a downside to having too much because it can lead to unused food that is out of date or becomes spoiled if the power goes out.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when assembling your hurricane preparedness kit:

• Consider the needs of the elderly, children and pets in addition to your current supplies. Liquid nutritional shakes, powdered drink mixes, shelf-stable milk and extra pet food should also be added.
• Add extra nut butters and your favorite jam to your kit. Peanuts are an excellent source of protein.
• Non-perishable foods are essential, but make sure they're low in sodium. Shelf-stable foods are usually higher in sodium and will contribute to water retention and excess water consumption.
• Don't forget to buy instant coffee, tea and powdered creamer. If there is a really bad storm, instant is better than no coffee at all.
• Instead of buying a lot of bread, consider buying crackers and cereal.
• If you cook your food outside on a grill, make sure it is at least 10 feet away from your house and any brush or debris. Never bring a propane tank or grill indoors.

Knowing your family's needs and using them now to prepare for a storm will help make the storm season less stressful.

Ze Carter is a food columnist for the Daily Commercial. Email her at zecarter12@gmail.com.