Food Preparation

 
If the power is out you will need some way to heat your food. If you have a gas stove, you should be able to ignite the pilot light using a match. If not, be prepared to improvise.  If you cannot run the fume hood, be sure to find an alternative way to vent (ie. open a window).

 

No matter what kind of cooking equipment you select, don’t forget to stock up on fuel. Keep enough fuel on hand to provide cooking for at least 14 days.

 

Open fireplaces and wood stove are good places to cook, providing your chimney has not been damaged. You can use firewood, coal or charcoal if the flue is open.

 

A camp stove is another great alternative provided you use it outside. These stoves use bottled propane or butane fuel.

 

If you plan on using a barbeque or hibachi, keep a good supply of charcoal on hand. Do not cook inside the house!

 

Warming dishes and fondue pots use candle heat while Sterno® pots use heat made from denatured and jellied alcohol, which burns directly from a can. Sterno® pots are primarily used in the food service industry for buffet heating.

A small saucepan filled with water may be used to heat canned goods (labels removed). A pressure cooker is a great idea for heating foods since it conserves fuel and time while retaining maximum food value.