This article was created in response to the recent Philippine tropical storm Ondoy (International Name: Kestana) which intensely hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
These are the times when you are caught unaware or unprepared. Typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines Sept. 26 and in a few hours, most of Metro Manila is in deep water.
It received more than a month’s amount of rain in less than 24hrs.
Either you were stranded in school, in the roof of your house or simply can’t get out of your house due to floods (like in my case), you would want to have enough supply of food nearby while waiting for rescue.
I always advise my relatives to stock up on extended-perishable goods like canned goods, biscuits and bottled water or juices.
I grew up with my over cautious mom who would stock up more than a month’s worth of grocery at home; always. Our cabinets were always full of powdered canned milk, canned goods, instant noodles, supplies, and the likes.
She was like that because she went through World War II in the Philippines. They experienced how be frightened amidst bombing and soldiers’ guns. Situations where you would not want to get out of your house. Food is one of their blanket of security.
Stock up in your Homes
Going back to the main topic of this article, you should also learn how to stock up food in your house. Since we know food is perishable, we can store products with a longer lifespan such as canned goods (meat loaf and sardines), instant noodles, biscuits (crackers), bottled water, and juices.
Most of these products might not be as healthy as fresh cooked food, but in times of calamities where electricity is out and your cooking gas supply is running low, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Others may argue that these storms usually just last a day or two. With the ongoing climate change, who knows?
Or perhaps what if a war breaks up. Less likely and hopefully not, but nonetheless possible.
Just remember to check the expiration dates of the products at least about once a month since these are still perishable goods. Use them up and replenish with new ones when necessary.
Stock up in your Cars
The Philippines is known for its heavy traffic in the metropolis. Aside from these, you would be thankful for a ready food when you are stuck in your car during flood for an extended amount of time.
The same items are applicable for your storage in cars like biscuits and water bottles. Just note that the plastic water bottles do expire; and the chemical reaction with the plastic occurs much faster in heat (since cars are usually exposed to daytime heat especially when parked). You just have to change them in shorter spans of time.
Canned goods are a definite no-no in cars. The metal encasement will react with the food, hence, “do not expose to direct sunlight”
Others may complain that it’s hard to maintain. But when the time comes that you need one, it’s better to have food than none.
In another note, click here for Emergency Numbers and Current Relief Operations.
These kinds of storms and calamities will happen again. And it can be stronger and worse than what we just experienced. I hope that is enough of a wake up call to all who pollute the environment and abuse mother nature.