Why You Need an Emergency Kitchen—and How to Build One

In the wake of a disaster, having a plan and these long-term basics will help keep your family well-fed.
Why You Need an Emergency Kitchen—and How to Build One
If the power is out, then an outdoor grill or a camping stove is ideal for cooking. photodisc
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It’s pretty straightforward to prepare for an emergency. Pack a go-bag and keep a couple of fire extinguishers in the house along with a case of bottled water and a flashlight, and you’re ready with the basics.
In the event of a natural disaster or prolonged power outage, having an emergency kitchen plan is more challenging. In those cases, you’ll want to have the right supplies so you and your family can have nutritious, home-cooked meals even in a crisis.

Establish Your Emergency Kitchen Location

After Hurricane Harvey, when thousands of flooded homes were gutted out down to the wall studs, many families chose to live on the second floors of their homes. For months, they made do with simple emergency kitchen setups. Many thousands more spent the duration in hotels, putting up with the daily hotel breakfast, the room’s electric coffee pot, and a mini-fridge.
Lisa Bedford
Lisa Bedford
Author
Lisa Bedford is the author of “Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios.” She founded The Survival Mom blog in 2009 and continues to teach families around the world how to be prepared for life’s challenges.
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