Well Prepared: All About Emergency Packing and Essential Supplies

In a world where the unexpected is increasingly a reality, from extreme weather to digital threats, good preparation is not a luxury, but a smart move. An emergency kit can make all the difference in times of crisis. This page offers a comprehensive guide to putting together an effective emergency kit, with a special focus on long-lasting and convenient meal solutions.

Why an Emergency Package? Anticipating the Unforeseen

You may be thinking, “An emergency kit, isn’t that a bit excessive in our relatively safe country?” While that thought is understandable, recent events such as the corona pandemic, floods and increasing digital and geopolitical tensions show that being prepared is becoming increasingly important. Consequently, the government(in the Netherlands) advises citizens to have an emergency kit in their homes that will allow you to save yourself and your family for at least 72 hours without outside help. The point is not to build a bunker, but to be prepared for possible problems with a few basic things.

An emergency kit provides immediate access to essential supplies, increases your self-reliance and helps you be prepared for various emergencies.

What Belongs in an Emergency Kit? The Essential Checklist

A good emergency kit contains items that meet your basic needs: water, food, shelter (heat), light, first aid and information. Many items you probably already have in your home. The Red Cross and the central government (through the Think Ahead initiative) provide clear guidelines.

Basic Contents Emergency Kit:

Water: A minimum of 3 liters per person per day for at least 3 days.
Long-life foods: Think canned foods (vegetables, fruits, fish, meat), dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, crackers, rice and pasta.
Battery-powered or wind-up radio: To stay informed via the regional disaster station even if the power goes out. Don’t forget extra batteries.
Flashlight with extra batteries (or wind-up): For illumination during power outages.
First aid kit: Includes instructions, painkillers and any personal medications.
Warm blankets or sleeping bags: To keep warm.
Matches (waterproof wrapped) and/or lighters and candles: For light and warmth.
Cash: Pinning may not be possible.
Copies of important documents: IDs, insurance papers, list of important phone numbers.
Hygiene items: Toilet paper, disinfectant hand gel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins.
Tools: At least a multitool or pocket knife, possibly supplemented by a hammer, saw and cutters.
Whistle: To alert emergency services.
Powerbank (charged): For your cell phone.
Spare keys: From home and car.
For personal situations: Consider baby food, prescription drugs, or pet food.

Tip: Keep your emergency kit in an easily accessible, dry and cool place. A sturdy, waterproof (back) bag is ideal, so you can easily carry the kit with you during an evacuation.

Nutrition in Emergencies: Smart and Long-Lasting

Adequate and nutritious food is crucial during an emergency. The government recommends stocking up for at least 72 hours.

General tips for emergency feeding:

Choose products with long expiration dates.
Provide variety to get all the necessary nutrients.
Consider foods that can be eaten without or with minimal preparation.
Don’t forget a can opener when canning.
Check the expiration dates of your stock regularly and replace products that are nearing expiration (first in, first out principle).

Queal: Your Smart Meal Solution in the Emergency Package

When it comes to convenient, nutritious and long-lasting meals, Queal’ s products are a convenient and tasty solution. Queal offers complete meals in powder form that you simply mix with water. This makes them an excellent addition to your emergency kit.

Ultra-easy: No cooking utensils or complicated preparation required. Just add water, shake and you have a nutritious meal. Ideal when there is no power or gas.
Longevity: Queal meals have a shelf life of 12 months. Importantly, they are still safe and good to consume even after this date, if kept cool and dry. This minimizes waste and ensures that you always have a reliable source of food.
Nutritious and Complete: Each Queal meal contains a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals. This ensures that even in an emergency situation, you are getting the right nutrients.
Tasty and Varied: Being prepared doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste. Queal comes in delicious flavors (from Chocolate to Banana), so there’s always something you like. Reviews at test to its good taste and satiating feel.

By adding Queal to your emergency kit, you are ensuring yourself a quick, easy and nutritious meal option that will help you stay energized no matter what the situation.

Water: Life Requirement Number One

In addition to food, clean drinking water is essential. Count on at least 3 liters of water per person per day. Bottled water is a good base. In addition, consider a water filter or water purification tablets to make water from other sources safely drinkable, should the emergency last longer.

Communications and Information: Stay Informed

In an emergency, access to reliable information is crucial. A battery-powered (or wind-up) radio allows you to listen to the regional disaster station for updates and instructions. Make sure you know what frequency this is for your region. A charged power bank for your cell phone is also recommended.

Maintaining the Emergency Package: A Continuous Process

An emergency kit is not a one-time purchase. Check the contents at least every six months:

Are food and medicine still shelf life?
Are the flashlight and radio batteries still working?
Is the first aid kit still complete?
Does the content still fit your personal situation (for example, with family expansion)?

Preparation: Don’t Panic, But Act Wisely

Putting together an emergency kit is not “scaremongering,” but a sign of responsibility and self-reliance. Recent events have shown that unexpected situations can affect anyone. Proper preparation can significantly reduce the impact of such an event and contribute to a sense of security and control.

Start putting together or adding to your emergency kit today. With the right preparation, including smart food choices like Queal’s long-life and nutritious meals, you’ll be stronger in any situation.