Ask a Dietitian
"Diana, just a quick heads up to let you know we are still using your cookbook and the guys will often be heard saying what would Diana say about this or that....really good feed back... I made your potato salad and the oriental coleslaw on Sat. for a family luncheon and had rave reviews so thanks again."
BC Hydro
Earthquake Preparedness
Having a complete earthquake preparedness kit has been on my list of things to finish for a few years now. I have most of the things I need but they aren’t all in one place. Not only that but with the power outages last year I realized I couldn’t access it because I didn’t have a key for my power garage. If you have a kit already, it’s a good idea to check it over every year. Change the water and swap in new non-perishables and use up the old to reduce food waste. When figuring out how much water to store and what foods to pack think about the number of family members (and pets) and food preferences. Keep in mind comfort foods go a long way in a crisis.
Water:
Estimate 2 liters for drinking and 2 litres for cooking and cleaning per person per day. Aim to have enough for 3 days.
For a family of 4, this would be 4 litres/day/person x 4 people x 3 days = 48 litres
If you have pets, estimate 2L/day for your dog and 1L/day for your cat.
Food:
It’s a good idea to think about what foods people enjoy eating in your family. You also need to consider how you might cook it if you were not able to access gas or electricity in your home. Tools you may need such as can openers, knives, spoons, cutlery, paper plates (to save having to clean them) and hand sanitizer should all be in your earthquake kit. Some foods to consider packing going through each food group include:
Fruit and vegetables:
Dried fruit: apricots, prunes, figs, raisins, dates, fruit leather
Juice boxes
Canned fruit: peaches, pears, mandarins, pineapple, applesauce
Canned vegetables: tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, green beans, salsa
Grains:
Kid’s favorite dry cereals, granola, instant oatmeal, granola bars, energy bars, crackers, Graham wafers, cookies, instant rice, pasta, taco kit
Meat and Alternatives:
Canned tuna, salmon, sardines, black beans, chickpeas, lentils, bean stew, chili, soups, peanut butter, trail mix (vacuum sealed not from bulk bins), protein powder or meal replacements like Boost.
Dairy and Alternatives: Powdered skim milk, UHT soy or rice beverages
Miscellaneous: olive oil, jam, chocolate, gum, pudding, Pet food, salt, pepper
Go to www.GetPrepared.ca for a complete list of items to ensure you have all you will need for your emergency preparedness kit. Let’s hope we never need them!