In August 2016, the Federal Government’s recommendation that everyone create an emergency supply of food and drinking water for 10 days, has caused a stir. It makes perfect sense to have food in the house for emergencies. Natural disasters are increasing in number and extent. Cyber ​​attacks on utilities such as waterworks can not be ruled out and are becoming more likely. Various events can occur which, even in an otherwise oversupplied country like the Federal Republic, can lead to longer-lasting bottlenecks in the supply of food and drinking water. Emergency food should be long-lasting, provide high nutritional content, be ready to eat, compact and contain drinking water.

The durability of a emergency rations

Durability is the most important criterion in selecting one, in addition to the nutrient content emergency rations , Fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables or meat are not suitable as emergency rations , Even frozen foods are less suitable. If the power fails, the food can no longer be cooled and, in an emergency, can not be extended by cooking the shelf life. Preserves are more suitable with a shelf life of up to 5 years. Practical are especially emergency rations, as used for example in the Bundeswehr. With a shelf life of at 20 years, one need not worry about the fact that the emergency rations could spoil.

The emergency rations MSI’s NRG-5 is stable for up to 10 years. 1 carton contains 24 packs of 500 g each and a nutritional value of 2,300 kcal. The emergency food consists of a balanced mixture of wheat, vegetable fat, vegetable protein, sugar, vitaminsand minerals.

The nutrient content – balanced and sufficient he should be

The nutrient content of an emergency food is the most important point in the selection. This is first and foremost the energy content. That is the calorie count per serving or day. At least 2,000 kcal per day should be expected for an adult. However, higher calorie content is better, especially if physical work needs to be done. The energy-giving carbohydrates come from emergency food for the most part from grain. Also should be included vegetable and / or animal protein, fat as well as minerals and vitamins. Vitamins and minerals are important for a well-functioning metabolism and can not be formed by the body itself from other food components.

NRG-M is an emergency catering in bar form. One pack contains 4 bars totaling 250 g. The nutritional value of a pack equals 1,150 kcal. The emergency food contains 60.2% carbohydrates, 14.5% protein and 17.3% fat as well as vitamins and minerals.

Emergency food – ready to eat and compactly packaged

The emergency food should always be packaged as compact as possible and ready to eat. If there is no cooking area available in an emergency food can not be cooked. In addition, it is much longer preserved by cooked food. If possible, the emergency food should be packed so that it does not occupy a large storage space in the storage cupboard or cellar and can be easily transported if required. Optima are durable in multi-layer plastic or aluminum foil welded and vacuumed food. The packaging is air and waterproof.

Water – important for emergency food

Without water, no human survives for longer than 4 to 5 days. Drinking water and suitable water filtersTherefore necessarily belong to the emergency food. Bottled water is edible for up to 2 years. A regular check of the water supply and an exchange for fresh water are recommended. In addition, a water filter, with which, for example, rainwater can be filtered and treated to drinking water quality, can make an important contribution to emergency food in an emergency.

An emergency food is a sensible investment for natural disasters and as a precaution for bottlenecks caused by other events in the supply of food and drinking water. The most important selection criteria are nutrient content and shelf life. The emergency food should be checked regularly and possibly exchanged for new rations.