16 Emergency Essentials

Natural disasters, power outages, and even financially hard times demand preparation if we are to survive. What are the bare essentials?

Here are my TOP 16  (most of which can be found in your pantry). . . . . 


1.    Let’s talk PROTEIN. Canned tuna & peanut butter are ready to eat. Other choices would be things easily heated with a fire or wood stove like canned chicken soups, chili, and canned beans.

2.    Crackers, to go with your protein. Snack crackers are a good idea, too.

3.    Dried/canned fruits and nuts are great because they can be stored for long periods of time.

4.    Powdered milk can, also, be stored for long periods of time.  If you have a financially demanding week, powdered milk can fill the gaps.

5.    ENERGY BARS: Melaleuca Meal Replacement/Protein Bars (Attain), FiberWise and Access bars are recommended
Did you know candy bars were first developed to give soldiers a quick energy boost? If you are in a disaster, you will need energy for sure! Have the good stuff (Melaleuca) rather than the pure sugar on hand!

6.    Water: You need at least a 5 day supply of water, more if you are so inclined.  One gallon of water per person per day is the standard. Of course, we can survive on much less, but who would want to?

7.    Instant Drink Mixes - especially Sustain Sports Drink (w/ more electrolytes than Pedialyte) Other choices are coffee, cocoa, and tea - no electrolytes but tasty!

8.    Starches - pasta, boxed macaroni and cheese & instant potatoes: They are easy to prepare and can be prepared on a fire or wood stove. Every college student knows that, in a pinch, mac 'n cheese can be made with hot water only.

9.    Salt: Sodium is needed especially if you are working hard and sweating.

10.    Manual Can Opener: A screwdriver and hammer make a real mess of things!

11.    Baby Items: Baby food, formula, diapers and wipes must not be over-looked.

12.    Cereals and Oatmeal: You have milk, so why not?

13.    Melaleuca Vitamins: If you are in a catastrophe, balanced meals will be the least of your worries.

14.    Batteries, Radio and Flashlights: These may not be normal pantry items, but they will be needed if something bad happens.  The wind-up style radio and flashlights can be good for emergencies but can also be very hard to keep energized.

15.   Melaleuca First Aid Kit. A well-stocked first aid kit is a must. Gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, and a variety of medications are necessary; depending on your family’s needs.

16. Last but not least - Bible, notepads and pens, a few favorite books. If you have to "grab and go" you will be prepared for the duration.

Keep in mind that you'll probably want to rotate the foods every 6 months to a year.
Remember to change out the baby items as needed because little ones grow quickly!

Now, here is how we step-it-up for full emergency set-up . . . . This is better than keeping an emergency stock in your pantry.

4 Step-It-Up Plan

1. Get several "Xerox paper" size boxes.  I am a frugal gal so I really do use Xerox boxes because they are sturdy, the right size and free.
2. Fill each one with a 1 to 3 day supply of emergency stock.
3. One box is just for the First Aid Kit, Radio, Batteries, Flashlights, Bible and other non-consumables. Label it CLEARLY - perhaps wrap it in a big, wide red ribbon. My kids decoupaged our Non-Consumables Box. It is easy to locate among the rest!
4. Stack the boxes in a place that is easily accessible. Depending on climate it could be the garage, basement, laundry or mudroom or if space is limited try a labeled box in each closet.  Mark them appropriately. For example: If you have 10 boxes: 1of10,  2of10,  3of10,  etc.