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In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, thousands of Gulf Coast residents are left without gas or electricity. So how, exactly are they supposed to cook? The other day I saw a slideshow of photographs taken after the hurricane and one showed a couple of guys grilling a ring of kielbasa (or something) over a small grill set up on an apartment building balcony. Makes sense, right?
But as Pamela Alford of EMG Productions points out in an e-mail:
One of the most basic requirements for hurricane or other natural disaster preparedness is to have a good supply of non-perishable food. Something that is rarely discussed or planned is how one will cook this non-perishable food given there will be no power. The very nature of this type of food supply means rice, beans, canned meats, and other food items that require cooking.
Almost everyone knows how to cook on a gas or charcoal grill – but what if there is no propane or charcoal? Chances are good that firewood will be readily available in any situation, but knowing how to cook over an open fire takes knowledge and the right equipment. During a natural disaster, it is more important than ever to eat hearty meals that “stick to the ribs”, and a hot meal during times of this nature can be most encouraging to survivors.
Alford has posted a series of videos and articles about cooking over an open fire. You can see them here. They won’t help hurricane victims who don’t have electricity (and therefore no access to the Internet), but it might get some of you all thinking about how to be prepared should disaster strike in your area.
Along those lines I have two words for you: Dutch ovens. You know, the kind with the lip around the lid so you can keep hot coals on top. Buy yours here.
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