Your Go-To Jerky for Your Emergency Food Kits
"The times they are a-changin" is more relevant now than ever. You might even say, "times have changed."
2020 has produced what feels like some of our lifetime's wildest stories (who remembers murder hornets?), forcing us to adapt to a new normal rather quickly. As the news continues to spew heavy headlines our way, it's hard not to feel uneasy and even vulnerable.
But, hey, buck up! We are a resilient bunch.
We've learned to take whatever comes our way and brush it off as "typical 2020." Despite our tough exterior (not unlike some of our favorite jerky), we can all agree it's best to stay cautious and prepared to better take care of ourselves and families in case of an emergency.
As we write this blog post, there are record-breaking fires on the west coast, and hurricanes are flooding the gulf coast. Since mother nature is not always nurturing, we will walk you through how to prepare for whatever 2020 throws at us next.
It starts with a winning disaster food kit.
This post will include tips on:
- How to Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit for Your Home
- Developing an Emergency Plan
- Best Emergency Food List
- Why Beef Jerky is a Must Add to your Survival Kit
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Emergency preparedness kit, emergency survival kit, disaster survival kit, no matter what you want to call it, all hold the same essential function of helping you weather the storm in the event of an emergency. It is suggested that your kit provides support for at least three days and ideally up to seven days. We recommend utilizing a sturdy container to store your goods and adding the following basic essentials to your kit:
- Water: one gallon per person, per day
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items
- High-quality first-aid kit
- Emergency radio (battery-powered or hand-crank)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Extra batteries
- Face masks
- Multi-purpose tool
- Whistle
- Copies of personal documents (medical information, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.)
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
Once you have your kit built and ready for action, it's important to store it in a place that can be easily accessed. Don't forget to mark your calendar to review and refresh your emergency kit once a year.
Developing an Emergency Plan
Emergency preparedness is more than just putting together a survival kit.
To fully prepare, you should also develop an emergency plan with your family or roommates. The plan may consist of evacuation plans, where to meet, and who to call in case of a disaster. For extra credit, you can attend a comprehensive emergency-training class in your area (they're free, so you don't really have an out here). You may also choose to participate in community events such as the ShakeOut earthquake drills or first-aid courses.
These helpful tips will ensure you are getting the fullest out of your kit and that you are prepared to take care of yourself and your family in the case of an emergency.
Emergency Food Supply
Some of the most critical decisions you will have to make will revolve around what non-perishable food to include in your emergency kit. A reliable kit will be ready to supply your household with enough food and water for a week.
Life is what you make it, so make it exciting.
You do not need to fill your kit with the same canned goods that you donated to food drives as a kid. I mean, you donated those for a reason. If a natural disaster hits, don't you, at the very least, deserve some mouth pleasure?
We think so.
That's why we recommend stocking your kit with foods that are nutrient-dense, loaded with health benefits, and tasty! For bonus points, we included items that can be combined for a little variety.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Nuts
- Granola
- Dried Fruits
- Combine #1, #2, #3 for Proper Trail Mix (you’re welcome)
- Add a box of almond milk or coconut milk to your kit and combine with #4 for a level-upped breakfast
- Freeze-Dried Meals (select those that feature healthier ingredients)
- Crackers
- Beef Jerky
The list is yours to customize, but selecting the types of food is just the start. Choosing the right food is just as important.
Hold our beer, we got you covered here.
Why Beef Jerky is a Must Add to your Survival Kit
People's Choice Beef Jerky is literally perfect for your emergency preparedness kit.
1. A Style and Size for All Appetites
We guarantee you'll find a texture and size to meet every preference of your family. We provide an assortment of styles ranging from our Old Fashioned beef jerky, which utilizes the same family jerky recipe used in the 1920s, to our modern Tasting Kitchen collection of beef jerky.
Our favorite flavors come in a variety of sizes. Looking for a family pack? Our 1 LB bags are resealable and perfect for sharing. Looking for a mix of flavors and styles? Our small bags are great for single servings and can easily fit in a bag or pocket.
2. Flavor Bonanza
If you're a spicy person who enjoys taking a walk on the wild side, we recommend trying the Tasting Kitchen Sweet Chili Habanero, Old Fashioned Hot & Spicy, or the Carne Seca Limon Con Chile.
If you got a sweet tooth, check out the Tasting Kitchen Orange Honey Teriyaki or Classic Teriyaki.
And if you are a bit milder, consider the Old Fashioned Original, Classic Original, or Tasting Kitchen Cowboy Peppered.
3. Extended Shelf Life
Our jerky has a best-by date of one year. Each bag is stamped with the best-by date, so you never have to worry.
When you order directly from our website, you are guaranteed to receive jerky made that same week. You can add it straight to your kit.
Forget to update your disaster kit after a year? No worries. Even after a year, the jerky will stay edible and safe to eat (but maybe a little dry).
Don't forget to check the dates on your non-perishable food items annually. Maybe this can serve as a check-up to treat yourself and re-up if you need more jerky?
4. Packs a Protein Punch
Jerky is one of the most efficient snacks for high-quality protein. In a disaster situation, you're going to want protein for energy. It's the reason jerky is a go-to non-perishable snack for backpackers, campers, and survivalists.
Our jerky is especially high in protein. Did you know that a 2.5 oz bag of our Old Fashioned Original Beef Jerky has 40g of protein? Yeah, you heard that right, 40g!
We'll leave you with one last tip... order extra if you're the type that can't resist testing the jerky when it arrives at your door. Remember, this jerky is meant for emergencies! (We won't hold it against you.)
