Learn how to build an emergency food pantry

LW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE

LW Community Emergency Response Team (LW CERT) asks residents: Do you have enough non-perishable food to last at least seven days in an emergency?

The next LW CERT safety class will focus on emergency food on Friday, Sept. 25, at 9 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9.

In a major earthquake, extended power outage, or infrastructure disruption, grocery stores may close, supply chains may stall, and refrigeration may fail. The average adult needs about 2,000 calories per day to maintain energy, and during stressful conditions—like cleanup, evacuation, or caring for others—calorie needs can rise to 2,400-3,000 calories.

At the meeting, people can learn how to meet these needs using simple, affordable, nonperishable foods that store well and require minimal preparation. A variety of shelf-stable foods will be displayed along with cooking demonstrations. After this meeting, people can build a practical, affordable emergency food supply that keeps them and their family fueled when the power goes out.

During the previous safety class in May on power, LW CERT members Simon Housman, Nick Massetti and Fara Q. Macartney, along with GRF Safety Manager Eloy Gomez explained what residents needed to know about generating power in an outage situation along with advice on gas, propane and solar generators. Macartney cooked hot dogs for the class using canned sterno. The giveaway for May was the fictional book “Dark State” won by Bonnie Fruend.