Chapter 22 · Pantry and cooking without power
22.9 Allergies and special diets
- Build the pantry around the most restricted person. If someone has a peanut allergy, swap the peanut butter for sunflower or almond butter (if there is no tree nut allergy) and swap the bars.
- Separate and label the foods that are safe for that person in a box of their own.
- Read the label of every new product: brands change ingredients and production plants.
- Epinephrine: if someone uses it, keep two unexpired auto-injectors at home and make sure everyone knows how to use them (chapter 7).
- Diabetes: regular meals, measured carbohydrates, and something for low blood sugar (juice, glucose tablets) always within reach. Plan with your doctor what to do if the power goes out and the insulin must be kept cold (chapter 2).
- Celiac disease, low-sodium or kidney diets: canned goods often have a lot of salt; look for no-salt or low-sodium versions, and ask your doctor.
- Formula or special feeding: keep at least 2 weeks' worth and the safe water to prepare it (chapter 3).
