All the hurricane prep lists say we need to have a supply of foods that don’t require refrigeration or much cooking.  We polled our Extension Master Food Volunteers about the items that they usually put in their hurricane kit.  They had some great ideas:

• Lots of cans of tuna and green beans along with vinegar and oil to use as dressing.(Lee Harlow)
• Cans of tuna, corned beef and tomato soup. (Tom Corbin)
• Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies).  (Jane Kulesza)
• Canned ingredients to make black beans and corn salsa and tortilla chips (to allow for snacks during family board games). (Jane Kulesza)
• Keep plenty of canned goods, beans, pasta, rice.(Paul Reinmann)

One item that’s frequently on the hurricane prep list is a hand-cranked can opener --- great for opening all those pantry stables when the electric can opener won’t work.  But what if you have arthritis and have a hard time using those hand can openers?   One of our followers called and offered another good piece of hurricane prep advice related to this. She suggested that when stocking up, look for canned goods that have a “pop  top” to make it easier.  She said she’s found tuna, soup and other items with these tops.  Another thought...look for items in pouches that are easy open.

N.C. Cooperative Extension has a series of Fact sheets on Disaster Readiness and Response and Recovery.  These fact sheets contain information on everything from keeping food frozen to powerless cooking to dealing with storm damaged trees.

Source:  Cheryle Syracuse, Family and Consumer Science staff member at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Center