<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
I would like to share the information below that the CSSG members
helped to compile several years ago. In this part of Ohio
we all live in 'tornado alley' and many have found it to be very
helpful.
Sandra J Leonard <[log in to unmask]>
The Gluten-Free Baker
Fairborn, OH USA
Celiacs and Disasters
Compiled by: The Celiac Sprue Support Group - Ohio's Miami Valley Area
Please take a few minutes to compile a list that would be helpful to you and
the gluten-free diet if a natural disaster should take place where you live.
Those of us that live in the Miami Valley area of Ohio are at risk for
damaging tornadoes. Could you manage on a gluten-free diet if the only food
availabe was at the Red Cross Shelter for a period of time? Ask anyone that
has been through the Xenia tornado what foods were available. Our celiac
friends in Florida that were in Hurrican Andrew's path and California's
earthquakes are examples.
Are you prepared to leave your home and depend on the Red Cross for your
meals? Recent natural disasters point up the necessity of considering YOUR
needs as a celiac in special situations. Think of yourself and be
prepared....just in case!
It is suggested that you prepare your disaster kit with a supply to last two
full weeks.
Keep the items that you would most likely need in an easy to carry
container. Possible containers could include a large, covered trash
container, camping backpack or a duffle bag.
Here are a few suggestions to make up your celiac disaster kit:
- Medication: Make sure that you have an adequate supply of required
medication. Place in proper containers that are labeled.
- Vitamins: Enough to last several weeks.
- Water: Water should be stored in plastic containers. Avoid containers
that will break. Store one gallon of water per person per day. Two
quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation. Purifying
agents.
- Pain reliever: A gluten-free aspirin may just help you to get through
a very stressful time.
- Dried foods: Item such as powdered milk, coffee, tea, cocoa, eggs,
cornmeal, rice flour, instant potatoes, nuts and fruit. Consider packaging
up dry ingredients for a recipe that would just need to have water added to
the dry ingredients...pancakes, bread, muffins.
- Canned fruits and vegetables: Small cans are best. These are always
availabel and ready to use. Don't forget a can opener!
- Juices: These are available in single serving boxes or can.
- Milk: Powdered or canned are available
- Canned meat/fish: Salmon and tuna fish are excellent choices as they
are very nutritious foods.
- Canned beans: Beans are an excellent survival foods.
- Canned broths: Chicken and turkey broths are excellent. Use to
flavor rice, as a soup base.
- Stress and comfort foods: Cookies, hard candy and snacks that are
gluten-free.
- Staples: Sugar, salt, pepper.
- High energy foods: Jelly, peanut butter, nuts, rice crackers.
- Rice cakes...these will no doubt last forever!
Remember to rote the foods in your Celiac Disaster Kit every three to six
months to ensure freshness.
The Red Cross has publications availabel that would be very helpful in
planning for a disaster. The publications will offer suggestions for many
special items, tools, first aid kits, sanatation, bedding and clothing.
Please contact the local Red Cross office nearest your home for a copy of
these publications.
- A few more suggestions when planning in disaster kit.
- First Aid kit.
- Tools and supplies: Several saucepans, one for cooking only gluten-free
foods, one for boiling water.
- Mess kits or disposable plates, cups and utensils.
- Clothing and bedding: Include one complete change of clothing,
footwear for each person.
Notes:
- If you are fortunate enough to own a dehydrator be sure to take advantage
of it and package up some foods for your kit.
- For those that have a vacuum sealer for packaging foods. It would
be a great time to put it to good use.
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