The Emergency Pantry

CEBU, Philippines - The recent string of natural disasters - from Ondoy to Yolanda - has doubtlessly reminded us of our vulnerabilities, giving due emphasis to the value in always being prepared.

From storing canned goods to securing an ample number of self-powered light sources, households are no longer strangers to the practice of stocking up on in-case-of-emergency essentials by now, but questions running along the lines of "are these supplies ample enough?" have been raised, one way or another.

While an exact and definite answer to that question is impossible to give out, the sentiments of those who had to deal with the aftermath brought about by Ondoy in Manila in 2009 and by Sendong in Cagayan de Oro in 2011 may give some insight to those who are wondering.

On Water Supplies and "Emergency Pantries"

Ravaging homes and causing the demise of many, Sendong left Cagayan de Oro City with water supply problems.

Survivors generally share that they've never really experienced a CDO water supply problem that was that severe in the past, and their views on how they dealt with the situation is a treasure throve of information to anyone.

Apart from the obvious importance of having containers to contain sourced fresh water, a Sendong survivor shares that disposable plates are also important to have in the "emergency pantry", since dishwashing tends to cause a dent on the volume of stored water supplies.

An ample stock of toilet paper also proved to be effective as an alternative to cloth rags and face towels, giving no compromise to sanitation-related needs, at the same time lessening the demand for water intended for the laundry.

In emergency situations, fresh water tends to become more precious than gold, used not just for drinking, but also for cooking, sanitation and washing clothes, towels and sheets.

After the water supply problems Sendong left the City of Golden Friendship with, someone who had to contend with the situation shares that having supplies that lessen the consumption of water is just as important has having fresh water stores intended for the "emergency pantry" - along with the judicious and conscientious utilization of both.

On Meal Preparations and Cooking

An Ondoy survivor shares that a rotation of rationed packaged goods, canned stocks and prepared meals helped him and his family go through the situation the time after the storm hit with the least amount of stress.

Meal preparations proved to be a daunting task since no one was in the mood to do so during those times, but a basic portable stove that wasn't fussy with the kind of fuel it required (kerosene, in his case) went a long way as meal preparations and cooking would've allowed them.

Apart from having a portable stove and stocking up on canned goods, he shares that having aluminum foil in supply helped lessen the after-care requirements of washing pots and pans, with the convenience points in using (and reusing) foil to heat ready to eat food items being a practical alternative.

Disposable plates, which they used and reused as long as they would keep, also lessened the demand for water intended for washing plates and utensils.

Another Ondoy survivor shares that she managed to make baby food for her granddaughter using available food items and a mortar and pestle, utilizing food items like rice mixed with meals as ingredients.

Having items like foil, disposable plates and a mortar and pestle - though not widely considered as essential in-case-of-emergency supplies – help streamline the operational flow of "emergency pantries" during emergency situations, as those who've dealt with emergency situations share. (FREEMAN)