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Eating unplugged

It's as predictable as Christmas: A hurricane swirls nearby, and the power goes out. Make sure you're stocked up on nonperishables to avoid being left hungry in the dark.

By JANET K. KEELER
Published July 20, 2005

	[Times photo: Stefanie Boyar]

Hurricane Dennis reminded us that it is never too soon to put together an emergency food pantry. The surprising storm so early in the season knocked out power and flooded neighborhoods even outside the dreaded cone of uncertainty.

In Florida, we never know.

As the hurricane twirled past the Tampa Bay area, some 180 miles away in the Gulf of Mexico, lights went dark, trees were uprooted, and a downtown St. Petersburg marina and its luxury boats were damaged by crashing waves.

And consider tiny coastal St. Marks, about 150 miles east of where Dennis made landfall. Businesses and homes were inundated with water. At ground zero near Pensacola, residents waited in food lines days after the storm hit.

If you haven't already, comb your pantry and refrigerator to determine what might be fit to eat when a storm affects our area. As we saw last year with Hurricane Frances, which caused extended power outage over a wide area, it doesn't take a direct hit to upend daily routines.

You might be surprised to see that you already have a store of nonperishable foods. Canned tuna and fruit are a good start. Federal guidelines suggest that you stock three days of food and drink for each family member.

But you'll have to open those cans without electricity. So first, get a manual can opener. Maybe three.

What food you stock will depend on your family's tastes and nutritional needs. Do you have young children? Is someone in your household pregnant? Are you a diabetic?

Do not buy food that you or your family has never eaten and will not eat after the storm. If your kids refuse soy milk regularly, don't expect them to want it just because the power is out for 24 hours. Also, watch intake of salty food, such as pretzels and chips, because they make you thirsty.

We also learned last year, when four hurricanes slammed into the state, that when the skies darken and the wind blows, we eat junk food.

Publix reported a run on Hostess Twinkies and Little Debbie's Swiss rolls during the active storm season. No harm in having some trashy comfort food on hand. That'll prevent you from eating an entire jar of jelly with your fingers.

At the end of the hurricane season, Nov. 30, cycle the food through your regular meals or give it to charity. Buying new food each season will make it more palatable.

Dr. David Lubin, a family practitioner in Tampa, says when a storm approaches, he makes sure he has lots of bottled water and packs the freezer full of ice - bagged cubes and chunks to use in coolers.

For some, it might be difficult to cram bags of ice in an already crowded freezer. Take a look at what's in there now. Throw out the food you are never going to eat and work the good stuff into your daily meals to make room for ice.

Lubin says he doesn't worry about electricity for cooking because he's got gas, plus Sam's Club margarita lime shrimp in the freezer. His plan is to eat the food in the refrigerator first, such as cold cuts and cheese, and then start on thawing frozen food. Of course if power goes out, it's best to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An outdoor grill comes in handy if you don't have a gas stove.

Nancy Kamm of Homosassa vowed never to stand in line for hurricane supplies again after witnessing a frenetic prestorm shopping scene just after she moved to Florida 10 years ago. Now, she and her husband prepare in advance for whatever might come their way, though Hurricane Dennis' early charge surprised them.

Even when a storm's path is uncertain and days away from landfall, Kamm says she avoids buying food that needs refrigeration. Less to go bad if the power fails. Not a bad idea.

It's really past time to get busy. The hurricane season already is.

- Janet K. Keeler can be reached at 727 893-8586 or krieta@sptimes.com

Water. One gallon a day per person, more if you'll be using it to make powdered milk.

Beef jerky. High protein, low-carb and good for diabetics.

Fresh fruit. When a storm is a few days away, buy apples and oranges. They last a while and it is nice to eat something fresh.

Boxed milk. Shelf-stable milk, including soy, is good for cereal.

Cereal. Vitamin-fortified cereal can be eaten dry or with boxed or powdered milk.

Canned soups, chili, vegetables, stews. In a pinch, they can be eaten cold but can also be heated in a pot on the grill.

Beverages. Juice, power drinks and enhanced water offer an alternative to plain water.

Healthier snacks. Granola bars, fruit roll-ups, dried fruit, nuts and trail mix offer nutrition plus have long shelf life.

Canned protein. Tuna, chicken, even Spam, provide protein.

Mayonnaise. Generally a no-no because of refrigeration issues but buy the smallest jar you can and make tuna or chicken salad for the family. Look for condiments - ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, relish, salt and pepper - in individual packets.

Crackers. For snacking or eating with cheese and cold cuts from the fridge just after power goes out.

Alcohol. A single glass of wine or beer may be calming, but too much is a bad thing. During and after a storm you'll need all your faculties to deal with dangerous situations.

Comfort food. You might as well buy the Twinkies (or Pop Tarts, donuts, Nutter Butters or Little Debbie's), you know you're going to crave them.

Other foods to consider:

Peanut butter

Individual applesauce and fruit cups

Rice cakes

Dehydrated food (from camping stores)

Meals Ready to Eat (from military surplus stores)

[Last modified July 19, 2005, 09:20:03]