A large scale food shortage would send the world into chaos. Urban disasters can spring up at any time without warning. Surviving them takes knowledge and planning. Use this guide to develop the skills necessary to ensure your own survival, as well as the safety of your loved ones.
Preparation is the key to surviving any type of calamity. With no plan in place you will be left to fend for yourself. Preparing in advance means that you can skip the initial panic and proceed with a clear head. One way to garner a significant advantage is planting your own root vegetables. Honey bees have been dying in droves and these vegetables don’t require pollination to thrive. Sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips are all high in essential nutrients. Conduct research to determine which vegetables will successfully grow in your particular area. If you live in an apartment building, look into vertical gardening, hydroponics, or container gardening.
Stock up on non-perishable food items. Dried beans, rice, oats, dry milk, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, corn meal, canned goods, and water will take you far in the event of a food shortage. Purchase storage containers such as foil pouches and PETE bottles with oxygen absorbers to keep food fresh for long periods of time. Also consider acquiring a supply of freeze-dried or dehydrated meals. These shelf-stable products will provide you with the nutrition you need to carry on. Wine barrels and water storage containers are ideal purchases to keep a supply of water on hand. Creating a roof rain water catchment, as long as your roof materials do not contain asbestos, is a solid plan for the long-term. If you live in a building you may have to purchase the materials and wait until the food shortage occurs before setting up shop on the landlord’s roof. Even adding a second water heater to your home will ensure a supply of clean water.
When the food shortage hits it will be important to have a way to keep food fresh and cook it. A solar-powered chest freezer or propane freezer are good investments. A stock of matches can be beneficial if you need to start a cooking fire. A generator and extra fuel will also be essential. Keep your grill maintained and have a reliable way to fire it up.
To survive the actual event it’s imperative to avoid bragging about your food supply. You don’t want to be overrun by the masses. While sharing in moderation will keep others alive around you, too much will leave you and your family starving. Remember that children don’t eat as much as adults. Rationing food and water can be painful but everyone should stick to the minimum needed to get by. Preserve your water and only take baths as necessary. The entire family can use the same bath water and still get clean. Divide water up to nourish the garden, humans, and pets and also save some to cook with and bathe in.
Find a protected area in the home that is cool and dry to store food. This will make it last longer. Attempt to find an area that is relatively hidden from view. If need be rely on recipes to properly cook food and avoid illness.
To continue to survive even after the initial food shortage it’s imperative to learn skills such as hunting, fishing, baking bread, concocting clean drinking water, canning, and gardening. Those pre-packaged foods from the grocery store will no longer be available. Even in the face of a waning food supply, try to stick to foods that pack the most nutrients. This will support your health and cognitive functions. By planning ahead and sticking to your plan, you and your loved ones can survive in a food shortage.