2017-07-27

cooking-potatos-ingredientsWhen the weather forecast calls for snow, most people’s first move is to their pantry to take inventory and assess what items they need. Most stores sell out of milk and bread pretty quickly, but there are several other necessities that should be on everyone’s list.

1. Water: Yes, water! You’re probably thinking, “Why do I need water, if I have a faucet?” During snow storms, pipes are at risk because of the freezing conditions. If the temperature gets too cold, it could freeze pipes and cut off your water supply. Remember to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Having a few gallons or bottles of water is never a bad idea – you may need it to use for bathing or washing dishes.

2. Canned Soup: Not only is canned soul super convenient, but it’s also a means for a quick meal. Canned soup has a relatively long shelf life, so it’s not something that you have to worry about expiring if it goes unused.

3. Grains: Rice, barley or oats is a great source of a meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner if you’re stuck in a snow storm. All you need to add, in most cases, is boiling water and voila!

4. Baking Mix: It’s always a good idea to keep a box of baking mix in your pantry. If you run out of bread, then you can always turn to a great mix to whip up a batch of biscuits or pancakes. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread rolling out of the oven – especially on a snowed in day.

5. Canned Tuna or Chicken: Depending on your situation during a snow storm, it may be wise to keep a few cans of nonperishable meat in your pantry. The shelf life is relatively long, so you wouldn’t have to worry about it expiring in the near future.

6. Fruit: There are a number of ways you can keep fruit in your kitchen. Bananas, apples and oranges do not need to be refrigerated and can be eaten with a meal or snack. Or you can purchase canned fruit, the options are endless – peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, apples, etc.

7. Potatoes: Potatoes can last several weeks if they’re stored in a cool dark place. You can use potatoes to make hash browns, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and much more.

8. Applesauce: Applesauce is a great source of vitamin C and doesn’t require refrigeration. Plus, a cup of applesauce could be the answer to your sweet tooth.

9. Chocolate: Okay, so it doesn’t have to be a snow storm to appreciate chocolate. However, the options that chocolate provide are endless and comforting to the soul. Eat it from the bar, chop it into your cocoa or your milk.

10. Food for Your Furbabies: Don’t forget about your canine and feline companions when you’re stopping at the grocery store for snow storm supplies. Get enough dry food for your pet and maybe even some treats. The treats are for your pet when they’re forced to take a potty break in the snowy conditions.

It’s important to know your area and stay tuned to your local weather station for updates on the wintery conditions. There’s no need to go into a full fledge bunker survival mode if it’s unnecessary however, it is important to be cautious and prepared.

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