How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency

In my 13 years of covering extreme-weather events across the United States, I’ve heard incredible stories from survivors of storms, wildfires, and roof-ripping winds. At times, their accounts have included the challenges of accessing food and potable water.

Disasters are unpredictable by nature, and it’s difficult to anticipate exactly what you’ll want or need to get by in the chaos and confusion following such an event. But no matter what risks you face, food and water are the two crucial things you should plan to have on hand.

Ultimately, help came for each of the survivors I spoke with — in the form of a government agency, a nonprofit organization, or, as is often the case, a neighbor. Just before a predicted disaster, the fear of not having access to basic necessities often leads to panic buying. But it’s usually not a great idea for everyone to empty the shelves of the local supermarket all at once.