Emergency situations can happen at any time. From natural disasters and power grid failures to terrorist attacks and government shut-downs the potential is always present for a halt to the things we take for granted. Most of us expect the electricity to be on, the water to run hot and cold and a roof to be over our head. Living in America may not always be easy but it does afford the basics of a civilized society. However, all it takes is one situation to remind us how vulnerable we are when these basics are taken away. From devastating earthquakes and hurricanes to attacks such as 9/11 and the threat of a chemical spill people need to be prepared in the event that food, clean water and power are not available.

One of the most crucial areas of emergency preparedness is food. The average household has less than one week's worth of food in their home and a good portion of that food is perishable meaning it won't last very long when not in a freezer of refrigerator. Having a source of food in case of an emergency is important but it is also important to have storage solutions that are safe and include options for water, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and canned goods. Having the proper containers and a safe storage place can be the difference between keeping your family fed during an emergency and facing the threat of starvation.

If your home has a basement, cellar or garage these are good places to keep emergency food stored. You will want a place that is cool, dark and dry to prevent food from spoiling. You also want to choose a place that is well protected in case the emergency should be a hurricane or tornado that tears up certain parts of the house. A basement with a crawl space is an ideal location. You can also choose a closet or an outdoor shed for storing your food but never bury it in the ground and keep it clear of water and places that are prone to humidity and moisture.

When preparing food for storage sort your food and use airtight pouches, zip lock bags, plastic containers and cans to properly pack the food and liquids. Remember, being cut off from power can mean no more water so you will definitely want to include clean drinking water and drinks fortified with protein and vitamins to keep you hydrated while waiting for relief. During certain disasters it can be a week without access to food or water so you need to plan accordingly and prepare for the worst.