Emergency Food Survival Guide

Emergency Food Survival GuideHow to Prepare for America’s Next Big Disaster

Copyright © 2016, Survivalcave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Recent Disaster HistoryIn the past 12 years, a number of huge dangerous hurricanes have made landfall in the US. The year 2004 was especially dangerous. That year there was a massive flooding disaster across the Midwest during the spring, where thousands of homes were damaged by rising floodwaters. Eventually, 90,000 Michigan residents were affected by heavy rains. But this was only the beginning. the government.

In 2004 and due to a rare El Niño, 16 hurricanes or tropical storms affected the US. The season began with tropical storm Alex who brushed the Carolinas causing one death and $8 million in damages. No one will forget hurricane Charley who made landfall on July 31st causing over $15 billion in damages.

This relatively small hurricane reached category 4 status before making landfall around Punta Gorda, Florida. It was the second hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. Before it was over, massive flooding and 150mph winds make Charley the second costliest hurricane (at that time) in history. Thousands of residents were evacuated, but thousands more waited it out in their homes with no food, electricity or water. Charley was quickly followed by hurricanes Frances, Jean and Ivan. These hurricanes fell in three to four week intervals, causing the power and other city services, to be out in South Florida for several months.


The governor, Jeb Bush, had to adjust the laws regarding school attendance because students were unable to return to their classrooms that year. By the end of this deadly hurricane season, over 3,000 people had been killed, millions were homeless and the costs ranged anywhere from $60 billion-$100 billion dollars.

The 2005 hurricane season was no better and the world will never forget the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina. In New Orleans alone, a million people were left homeless. It took months for thousands of emergency workers to restore the broken infrastructure. Those who had the money, fled to other states and stayed in hotels or with relatives, but those who did not have a way to escape were stuck in a devastated region with no power, gasoline, water or food.


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During that season, other deadly storms made landfall along US coastlines, such as hurricane Rita who made landfall in the southwestern Louisiana area, an area already devastated by Katrina. Rita was the fourth most intense hurricane ever recorded and she left thousands homeless along the Gulf Coast. Rainfall and associated tornadoes from this storm left people from the Gulf Coast to Michigan without water, food or power for several weeks.

That same year hurricane Wilma came ashore in southern Florida causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage. Her category 5 winds reached 185 mph and caused a mandatory evacuation of the Florida Keys and Monroe County. The power and other important resources were unavailable for a period of weeks in Palm Beach County and neighboring cities.

Since that time, America has seen an almost endless number of tornadoes, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes. During Christmas of 2015, the Dallas area alone saw a deadly tornado outbreak that eventually caused millions of dollars in damages and killed 11 people. In the south, tornadoes usually occur only in the springtime, so these Christmas tornadoes were not a welcomed Gift from Mother Nature. They left millions of Americans asking, “What in the world is going on?”


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Stop Arguing About Why and Get ReadyAll these facts are not meant to scare you, but to remind you that, for whatever reason, natural disasters are on the rise. Just over the last dozen years, millions of Americans have lost lives and property due to natural disasters. Though people like to argue about why there seems to be a rise in deadly storms, the bottom line is that we must get better prepared. We can figure out why later, but for now, the most important thing is our survival.


Steps for PreparationOne of the major factors that adds to these high levels of damage is that Americans never seem to be prepared for such events. Humans have the unfortunate attitude of believing that these types of events will not happen to them and this results in most Americans not being prepared in any way, shape or form. A little preparation can go a long way in times of disaster; it could even save your life.

As human beings, we need certain essentials in order to survive. These basic necessities include food and water. And these are items that are readily available and easy to store. So why don’t more people have these supplies on hand in case of a big disaster?


Become a SurvivorIn 2008, when hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston Texas, widespread devastation made it nearly impossible for families to find help from local shelters. Many of the victims drove north to Houston, Texas in search of a dry place to stay until the power could be restored. This left Houston in a state of emergency. There were long lines at gas stations. The shelves at local grocery stores were empty within days.

Though the government does eventually bring food and water into areas like this, it can be several days before help arrives. Instead of waiting for the government or someone else to come and rescue you, make up your mind to become a Survivor.

In the past, those who were considered survivalists were thought to be a select few living in remote areas … people with unorthodox mindsets. But America’s history of massive disasters in recent years has shown everyone that it’s not only a good idea to prepare for the worst, it’s the smart thing to do. We can no longer sit around saying that it probably won’t happen to us. Instead, we can take just a few common sense steps to ensure that we will have the things we need for our families in case of an emergency.


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Don’t forget to include things like medications for those who need them. You can even bring along some playing cards or games to keep everyone from getting bored while you wait out the storm and finally, a small inexpensive first-aid kit is a must. These are very easy to assemble items that can give you the advantage over others who are unprepared. It doesn’t take long or cost a lot of money to be ready. Your first-aid kit should include bandages, alcohol, peroxide, and medical tape. Don’t forget to include your favorite headache meds. Disasters can be stressful for the whole family so expect a few headaches and be ready.

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Adopting a PlanOne thing that people often fail to do is develop some sort of survival plan for their family. This can be as simple as sitting down with your family and talking about what to do in times of an emergency. It’s also easy to develop something a little more intricate. For instance, decide on a central meeting place where your family will gather in case of an emergency. Make a list of things that each person will bring. And finally, be sure to have ample food and water available for each family member.


Warming Up FoodsRemember that if the power goes out, you will not be able to rely on food from the refrigerator and you won’t have your microwave or coffee maker. Keep these things in mind and make provisions for them. For instance, there are various types of camp stoves that are powered by propane. These are reasonably priced and safe use. You can warm up food, boil water or make coffee using a $50 camp stove. If you have a baby in the house who will need warmed formula, then having a way to heat things up is a must.

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Today, you can buy durable waterproof flashlights that will work for days without recharging. In fact, there are a wide range of LED flashlights manufactured for tactical usage that would be perfect to keep in your emergency supplies. If yours uses batteries, then be sure to have a supply of batteries as well. Light sticks are another popular item for emergency preparedness, along with solar-powered lighting.

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Tips on Buying GeneratorsFor those who live along coastal areas, a generator has become an essential item to have on hand. Generators have come a long way in terms of their design, size and versatility. Many Americans already own small portable generators for use when camping. These are lightweight and easy to operate.

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However, to keep the lights on in the whole house during a big storm, you’ll need something much larger. When buying generators, shop around and get the one that’s perfect for your specific needs. They now come in many sizes and the manufacturer’s label will explain what you can expect out of each.

Never operate a generator indoors! Disaster victims frequently forget that you cannot safely operate a generator or a barbecue grill indoors. These produce carbon monoxide, toxic fumes that will cause injury or death. Be sure to read the safety manual before operating a generator. Barbecue grills and generators should be operated outdoors where there’s plenty of ventilation.

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Storing Up Life’s NecessitiesProperly preparing for the next big disaster is not rocket science. These are not difficult or complicated solutions. They’re easy, affordable things that anyone can do. So stop putting this important step off and go ahead and move forward. Make sure that you and your family will have all of life’s necessities no matter what storms life may bring your way.

Start with a thorough list of what your family will want and need if you’re all stranded for several days without power. Remember that, in past hurricane seasons, thousands of people were stranded without food and water for periods of time that ranged between three days and three weeks.


Great Tasting Food for the Whole Family

With wholesome delicious food on everyone’s list of requirements, many families aren’t sure where or how to get top quality food that the family will love. That’s why we developed Survivalcavefood.

SurvivalCaveFood.com has created very simple ways for you and your family to have all the food they will need in case of a big disaster. We provide a healthy nutritious food storage alternative at budget friendly prices. And our products give each family member a full days’ worth of meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and drinks, all based on ideal caloric intake.

Survivalcavefood was developed with individual preparedness in mind. We realized that over the last century, humans have become more and more dependent upon their local grocery store for food. In an emergency situation, the shelves of every grocery store in one city can be completely wiped out within hours. When events like this occur, people often panic. How will they survive? If you have children or elderly parents, the question becomes even more critical.

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Prepare Now!At Survivalcavefood, we believe the time to prepare is now, before the next big hurricane, tornado or earthquake occurs. Preparation begins with a solid plan. Where will you ride out the storm? This location should be roomy enough for you and loved ones and also be equipped with adequate shelving or a pantry area for your food and water. You should have a few comforts on hand, such as blankets, pillows, bedrolls or other cozy sleep necessities.

Don’t forget special items that family members might need such as asthma medication, breathing machines, insulin, walkers and the like. Once you start your list of items you want to have on hand, add to it each time you think of something. A thorough plan is the basic foundation of not only surviving, but thriving during a big disaster.

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What About FoodOnce you have your survival plan in place, begin acquiring the correct amount of food and water for each family member.

We recommend having at least 3 days’ worth of food on hand for each family member. And we have a number of excellent selections that will suit the culinary desires of even your most picky eaters.

Our canned meats come in two sizes: 14.5 ounce and 28 ounce. This means you can choose the size that’s right for your family. For families of two or three members, the smaller sized cans are a good choice. If you have four or more family members, then choose the large size.

14.5 OZ 28 OZ

Dozens of Delicious RecipesWe currently offer five different canned meats: pork, chicken, beef, turkey and ground beef. This makes it easy to come up with delicious meals that your family will love. For instance, open and warm a can of ground beef, then spoon servings inside taco shells.

Top with chopped tomatoes and grated cheese and you’ve got yourself yummy homemade tacos. Ground beef can be served in many ways with tortillas, pasta or with potatoes.


One favorite recipe from the past originates from the military and was fondly referred to as “Shit on a Shingle”. This dish involves mak-ing a regular white gravy, then adding the beef to it and serving it on toast.

It’s actually a very tasty and easy to make dish. Simply brown the ground beef, add several tablespoons of flour, then stir till the flour browns. Stir in milk.

TURKEY TURKEY

CHICKEN CHICKEN

BEEF BEEF

PORK PORK


If you’re stranded in your survival shelter and fresh milk isn’t available, then canned evaporated milk works great. You can also mix up a powdered milk products in water and stir that in.

Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Serve on toast. Your family will enjoy this meal so much, they’ll ask for it regularly, even when skies are sunny.

Another favorite is pasta and chicken. Pasta is very easy to store and has a long shelf life. It’s also easy to cook. All you need to do is boil water and add a little salt.

SuvivalCaveFood offers a wide selection of dehydrated foods that can be added to any dish for heightened flavor and diversity. For instance, try adding the beef or chicken flavored vegetable soup to your pasta dish. You’ll get extra flavor plus wholesome vegetables that will make your whole family say, “YUM!”

Remember to Add Spice to Your Pantry

Spices can be used to add or complete change the flavor profile of any dish. You can add dried spices such as garlic powder, parsley flakes, fennel, cumin, ginger and many others to give flavors a boost. Your disaster pantry should include a good array of ground spices like these:

• Salt&blackpepper• Chilipowder• Mustardseed• Driedchiles• Celerysalt• Cinnamon• Allspice• Curry• Cumin• Paprika• Corianderseed• Manyothers

By adding a few of your family’s favorite seasonings, you can completely alter the taste of a dish. There are literally dozens of recipes that you can come up with on a moment’s notice and you may have already be thinking of ways to use your favorite spices in a delicious recipe with our canned meat products.


Long-Term Storage OptionsHow about a steaming bowl of rice and turkey, garnished with chopped tomatoes, onions and cheese? Rice is another product that has a good shelf life. To extend the shelf life even further, remove rice from the box or bag and place it in an airtight container. This goes for pasta and beans as well. These are food products that will keep for months if stored properly. Acceptable airtight containers include plastic storage items like Tupperware, Rubbermaid and other plastic storage options. Mylar bags provide a complete airtight seal for the longest lasting usage.


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Glass jars with rubber seals and lids that lock down are a great option unless you live in an area prone to earthquakes. In this case, avoid using glass containers altogether.

Vacuum sealers are another good option and these manufacturers claim that vacuum sealing can extend the useful life of various foods by several months. Vacuum sealing also makes it easier to store items because they will take up less room.

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DehydratedMealsfromSurvivalcavefood Dehydrated foods have been around for years. They’ve evolved from beef jerky, dried fruits and vegetables to now include a wide array of edible items that can virtually last for years. Dehydrated foods have been discovered after 30 years that were still edible. However, there are a few important rules to storage that can greatly extend the life of dried foods.


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Storage TipsOne of the biggest determents to storing foods of any kind is temperature. In cooler regions, long-term food storage is much simpler than in hot or humid climates. Back in the 30’s and 40’s, people would store food in underground root cellars because the temperature can be much easier to control underground than above ground. Even the government often builds an installation underground. It’s a safe option for a large bank of computers, sensitive military equipment and other highly delicate gear.

In areas of Texas and Oklahoma, people still have tornado shelters that are built underground much like the ones shown in the movie “Twister”. If you have proper warning (which you don’t always get with tornadoes), you can get your whole family to the shelter, close the door and be relatively safe from flying debris.

Usually, tornadoes only last a few minutes, then they blow over and move on. One of the most terrifying dangers is flying debris. Tornado wind speeds are often seen in the 200 mph range. This means that every board, toy, piece of metal or object of any kind suddenly becomes a fast-moving spear that can kill you instantly. That’s why getting underground or into a low-lying area is so important. You have to move quickly and know where you’re going though. And this begins with the all-important “Disaster Plan” discussed previously.


What Happens After the Storm?Once the storm moves over and it’s safe to crawl out into the open, you’ll often discover only piles of boards, concrete, pieces of household objects and the like. It can take several days for the Red Cross and FEMA to move into the area and starting assisting victims. This means that you need to be able to take care of yourself and your family until help arrives. Even after help arrives, there are often very long lines to get food and water.

Dehydrated foods are excellent at surviving storms like these. You can simply open a pack of dried fruit or meat jerky and eat immediately. This can be especially helpful for those suffering with low-blood sugar. Though some dehydrated foods need to be rehydrated in water, others are safe and easy to eat directly from the pouch.


What Happens After the Storm?Some good examples of the delicious dehydrated foods you can get from SurvivalCaveFood include:

• AllNaturalGranola• FruityAppleBlueberryGranola• Oatmeal(quick,easyandgoodforyou)• PastaMarinara• CreamyChocolatePudding• MixedFruit• BeefFlavoredVegetableSoup• CheesyCheddarBroccoliSoup• RefreshingOrangeDrink• HomeStyleCreamyMashedPotatoes• ElbowMacaroni&Cheese• SouthwesternChili• HeartyPotatoSoup• CajunRedBeans&Rice


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These are all healthy foods that your whole family will love and enjoy. Plus, they’re easy to store and prepare. And they’re a very cost effective solution. Dehydrated foods can last for months and they can be eaten even if you’re not involved in a big storm. You may simply have nothing to prepare for dinner one night. Why not try the Southwestern Chili with orange drink and chocolate pudding for dessert? Even in the comfort of your own home, many individuals regularly enjoy foods like the hearty potato soup. It’s easy to make and there’s very little kitchen clean-up.


Remember that these foods are not just for survival. They’re also great for camping trips. Preparing for your next camping trip will be so easy with our extensive array of dehydrated foods. There are nutritious granola bars for snacking throughout the day. These are a good option if you’re hiking or canoeing and just can’t stop and make a whole meal. You’ll find many delicious ways to feed the whole crew whether waiting out a storm or exploring the great outdoors.

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Acts of TerrorismUnfortunately, we live in a day and age where acts of terrorism are much more common than in times past. America, France and other nations are a favorite target for terrorists. Their objective is always to frighten people and drive them to panic. One way to avoid excessive fear and panic is simply to be prepared for whatever may occur. When you and your family know that you’re as ready as you can be, there’s much less stress involved.


Of course, there’s no absolute way to protect your family 100% of the time, but Americans are learning to be much more vigilant. We’re learning to pay attention to our surroundings. We’re learning to listen for unsettling talk or threats by those who may have a grudge against some politician or agency.

Though it’s inconvenient, we must all now get used to going through metal detectors and submitting to searches when traveling or visiting government buildings.

In a democracy, the people are given a great amount of freedom and they can choose to live peacefully or they can choose to make trouble or even assault those that disagree with their philosophy or religion. With all these truths at our doorstep now, more and more Americans are choosing to arm themselves. Many are taking self-defense courses, including martial arts training.


In addition to these steps, there are a few other things we can all do to protect ourselves and our families.• Avoidsecludedorpoorlylitareas.• Don’tflashyourcash.• Don’tgooutaloneatnight.• Becautiousaboutonlinedatingsitesandalwaysmeetnew people in a public place.• Ifyou’vehadrecentdatingtrouble,neveragreetomeet the person alone.• Reportabuseorsuspicious activities to the police.• Becarefulaboutattendingprotestsorotheractivitiesthat could turn violent.• Stayuptodateonterroristthreatsinyourcommunity.

Though America has taken a strong stance against terrorism, the government can never fully protect every person. That’s why you and your family need to be prepared.

When large-scale attacks occur, such as the September 11, 2001 attacks, the government can suffer temporary breakdowns where all law and order seems to be suspended.

This happened in New York City after 9/11 and in New Orleans right after Katrina.


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Air QualityIn some types of disaster, the air quality may be affected. For in-stance, for a full two years after the 9/11 attacks, the air in Lower Manhattan was said to contain over 2,500 contaminants. Breathing this poor quality air over a period of time eventually caused many people in the New York area to become ill. Many breathing prolems were reported during this timeframe and special funds were set up to pay for medical care for victims and local residents.


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Numerous types of air masks now exist for the purpose of protecting against polluted air. There are simple disposal paper masks that can be worn and thrown away.

But there are also a good range of dust respirators that can protect you from harmful particulate matter.


With air pollution now a growing problem in most industrialized nations, big manufacturers have come up with a wide range of comfortable, affordable options.

Choosing the right air mask for your situation can be difficult because there’s no way to know if your city might be the object of airborne terrorism. There are so many toxins that can be released into the atmosphere that could make you sick. Some will require a much more sophisticated filtering system in order to be completely safe. Do some research and use your best judgement here.

A particle respirator can also be worn to protect yourself against the flu and other airborne illnesses. A good rule of thumb is to consider the various needs that might arise. At the very least, it’s a good idea to have a supply of the inexpensive paper masks on hand.

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MiscellaneousSurvivalSuppliesThere are a number of things that can make your survival go smoother and be more tolerable. A good hand-operated can opener is a must. Make sure that it’s a newer model that’s easy to crank. This is important if you have anyone in the family with arthritic hands.

One thing that no survival pack should be without is duct tape. You can fix a leaking tent or even a leaky pipe with duct tape, so be sure to include a roll in your survival kit. Since fire is such an important element, we recommend having several sources on hand.


Waterproof matches are a must, but what about those electric lighters that homeowners often use to light the fireplace?

There are many new products on the market such as a type of sand that lights easily and is safe to use. Try to have a good variety of these products on hand. They work great for camping too.


A good knife is always handy, whether camping out or waiting out a big storm. Many people own a multi-purpose knife that includes a number of useful tools, such as a screwdriver and can opener all in one easy-to-carry case.

And speaking of screw drivers, it’s a good tool to have even on vacations. If you’re one of those people who likes to be prepared for just about anything, then put together a small toolbox that includes a hammer, screwdriver and nails or screws.

Waterproofing material such as heavy-duty plastic, tent material and mylar are good to have on hand as well. Of course, this depends on the types of disasters that are more likely to come your way. If a big hurricane is heading for your town, just evacuate when authorities issue evac orders.

On the other hand, if the storm doesn’t seem that bad and you want to wait it out at home, be prepared with waterproof tarps in case the roof is blown off.

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PersonalCare&HygieneIt’s easy to forget about all those little items that can make your disaster stay much more comfortable. Be sure to include several rolls of toilet paper, soap, shampoo and sanitary towelettes.

A box of ordinary baby wipes can also come in very handy. You can wipe dirt off a person, wipe up equipment or clean up a mess with baby wipes. They’re not just for babies anymore. It’s a good idea to bring along toothbrushes and mouthwash as well. In the TV show, Survivor, one of the things that contestants say they miss the most is their toothbrush.

If you really want to maintain the air of civility, then include some deodorant and shaving paraphernalia. Personal hygiene products for all the women in your home will also be appreciated and come in handy.



ConclusionAs you can see, there are a number of things to think about when preparing for a disaster. Whether you decide to go with just the basics or decide to include even those small items that can make life more comfortable, having a good disaster plan is the right place to start.

Store enough food and water for each family member for at least three days. Remember that during big events like a hurricane or tornado, you may be without electricity for several weeks. So have a way to warm foods and boil water. Be sure to include all the items in your survival pack that are important to your family.

Prepare for your Family’s SurvivalWith so many different and very dangerous things going on in our world, now is the time to start thinking about survival for you and your family. History shows us that regardless of how severe a manmade or natural disaster is, some people will walk away without a scratch.

There were survivors that awful day of 9/11 … somehow miraculously, a few people made it out alive.


The same is true for the Katrina disaster and all the others. Though many lost everything they owned, the death toll was relatively small for such widespread damage. And yet, even though many survived, it was weeks before everyone could be rescued and taken to dry, safe places.

In times like these, where all law and order is abandoned, the best approach is to make sure that you and your family have what it will take to make it out alive. No one knows what the future holds. We could be looking at another Katrina or 9/11 disaster in the very near future.

The world seems shaky now and uncertain. But you can at least make sure your family has the food, water, medical supplies and other necessities to come through the storm unscathed. With a good solid plan of action and a little preparation, your family can rest easy at night. Preparing for a disaster does take a bit of planning and an investment, but it will give you and your family peace of mind.


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With the delicious canned meats and dehydrated foods from SurvivalCaveFood, you’ll get all the foods that your family enjoys and be ready when the time comes. Remember that these are also excellent for camping trips. Foods come packed in durable plastic containers with lock-down lids in three convenient sizes.

The 90-serving bucket offers 2,000 calories per day for one adult or 1,000 calories a day for two adults for one week. It’s perfect for individuals or couples. Foods come packed in poly/metal bags that are waterproof and easy to open, reseal and store. The resealable zip seal makes it easy to use what you need, then close the bag up to protect it from humidity and moisture.

The 180-serving bucket offers 19 meal varieties with 2,000 calories per day for one adult and 1,000 calories a day for two adults for two weeks. The 360-serving bucket also offers 19 meal varieties and provide 2,000 calories per day for one adult for a full 30 days or 1,000 calories per day for two adults for 30 days. That’s a whole month of food that you’ll enjoy. Once the dangers have passed and you’re able to get to a grocery store, you’ll be one of the few who not only managed to survive, but managed to thrive.


All our products are made and packaged in America, so when you buy from us, you’re supporting American businesses and workers. If we can answer any questions or help with your purchasing decisions, please contact us. We want to help American families prepare for un-expected events so that Americans can stay strong and endure for the future.

Would you like more information on food storage or do you want to start you food storage plan but don’t know how to get started?

Contact us below and we will be happy to help you.

www.survivalcavefood.com [email protected]