When a storm knocks out power, one of the first household routines disrupted is mealtime. The familiar call of “What’s for dinner?” suddenly carries more weight when the fridge is warming up, the stove won’t turn on, and grocery store shelves are picked clean.

Florida families know this challenge all too well. While stocking water, batteries, and flashlights is second nature, food often gets overlooked beyond canned goods tossed into a cart during last-minute storm prep. The truth is: with a bit of planning, you can keep your family well-fed and even comfortable—no matter how long the outage lasts.

This guide explores strategies for stocking, cooking, and serving meals during power outages, all while keeping safety, simplicity, and practicality in mind.

When disaster planning comes up, insurance coverage, shutters, and sandbags usually top the list. Food prep rarely feels urgent—until the moment you realize your microwave won’t heat leftovers and your freezer is quickly defrosting.

Preparedness isn’t just about calories. It’s about maintaining routines, calming stress, and giving your household a sense of normalcy when life feels unsettled. A thoughtful food plan:

• Helps avoid waste by using perishables wisely.
• Keeps mealtimes quick and simple when stress levels are high.
• Reduces the temptation to venture out when it’s unsafe.
• Provides comfort, especially for children and older family members.

In other words, food prep is about more than survival—it’s about resilience.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Red Cross recommend at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food for evacuation and a two-week supply for sheltering in place. But what should that look like in practice?

Think beyond just canned beans and crackers. Instead, build your pantry with meals in mind:

Smart Pantry Staples

• Proteins: canned tuna, chicken, beans, lentils, nut butters, jerky
• Grains & starches: instant rice, couscous, pasta, granola bars, tortillas
• Fruits & veggies: dried fruit, canned peaches, applesauce cups, shelf-stable veggies
• Dairy substitutes: powdered milk, shelf-stable almond/soy milk, cheese spreads
• Snacks: trail mix, popcorn, pretzels, crackers
• Quick energy: protein shakes, electrolyte powders, instant oatmeal packets

Comfort Counts

Don’t underestimate the value of familiar favorites. Items like hot cocoa packets, instant coffee, hard candy, or snack cakes may not be “essentials” in the strictest sense, but they can lift spirits during a stressful time.

We’ve all seen the photos of empty grocery aisles just before a storm. The solution is simple: don’t wait.

Tips for Smarter Shopping

• Buy early: Stock up when your family’s favorite nonperishables go on sale.
• Rotate: Use a first-in, first-out system to keep supplies fresh.
• Bundle meals: Organize pantry items that naturally go together for fast prep. For example: crackers, peanut butter, and applesauce cups = lunch.
• Batch cook ahead: Before a storm, prepare foods that last without refrigeration, like muffins, quick breads, quinoa salads, or boiled eggs.

Pro tip: Freeze water bottles. They’ll help keep the freezer cold longer and provide cold drinking water as they thaw.

When the forecast shows a storm on the horizon, it’s time to rearrange and prioritize your fridge and freezer.

• Front-load perishables: Move quick-to-spoil items like milk and deli meats to the front.
• Group frozen items: A full freezer stays cold up to 48 hours if unopened. Group items together so they stay frozen longer.
• Create a “use first” list: Write down the items you’ll eat first if the power goes out.

This reduces waste and makes it easier to plan meals in the stressful hours before landfall.

Once the storm passes and it’s safe to cook outside, you’ll have more options. Until then, focus on no-cook meals.

No-Cook Options

• Tuna or chicken salad kits
• Peanut butter wraps
• Cereal with shelf-stable milk
• Cold pasta or couscous salad
• Protein shakes or nutrition bars

Outdoor Cooking (After the Storm)

• Grills: Perfect for heating canned foods, proteins, or even baking with grill-safe cookware.
• Camp stoves: Portable propane stoves give you range-style cooking flexibility. Practice ahead of time so you’re comfortable using them.

Safety Note: Never grill or use open flames indoors. Wait until it’s safe to cook outside after the storm has cleared.

Meals are about more than nutrition—they’re about comfort and connection. During outages:

• Light a lantern or use battery-powered candles to make meals feel less stressful.
• Encourage kids to “help” with food prep, even if it’s just mixing trail mix.
• Plan “fun meals” like make-your-own cracker pizzas with canned tomato sauce and cheese spread.
• Keep easy treats handy—cookies, chocolate, or popcorn—to turn a stressful evening into a small celebration.

Every household is unique, so adapt your food plan to your circumstances. Consider:

• Dietary restrictions: gluten-free, vegetarian, or allergies.
• Health needs: diabetic-friendly snacks or reduced-sodium foods.
• Children and seniors: softer foods, easy snacks, and hydration options.
• Pets: food, treats, and water for furry family members.

For creative inspiration:

• USDA Food Safety Guide – Safe food handling tips
• FIU Hurricane-Ready Cookbook – Meal ideas from students and chefs
• Florida Division of Emergency Management – Local resources and preparedness updates

Storm season is part of life in Florida, but it doesn’t have to leave your family scrambling at mealtime. With a little planning, your emergency kit can double as a stocked pantry and your outdoor grill can transform into the family’s “storm kitchen.”

At Comegys Insurance Agency, we believe preparedness goes beyond supplies—it includes protecting your home, family, and future.

Contact Comegys today to review your insurance coverage and make sure your household is ready for whatever the season brings.