**How MREs Can Save Your Life In Emergency Situations** After the events of 2020, it would be fair to say that the world we live in today is full of uncertainties. In light of the civil lockdowns and businesses shutting down, we all must prepare for an emergency. Among the most crucial things you need to have during an emergency is food; imagine being in lockdown with your family during a pandemic and having nothing to eat in your house. From what we’ve learned over the past year or so, finding survival food or accessing a food outlet can be very difficult during an emergency. For this reason, you should always have MREs on standby. MREs can be one of the most reliable foods in such a situation. They have a long shelf-life and can do a good job in replenishing your energy. Read on to understand better how [MRE](https://72hours.ca/collections/mres) can save your life in emergencies. **What are MREs** MRE stands for Meals Ready to Eat. MREs are individually packed foods that are ready for consumption. The U.S. Department of Defense has used MREs for decades when servicemen and women are out on missions or training. This doesn’t mean MREs are restricted to the military. In the past, MREs were made only for military use. However, in recent years, MREs have been authorized for home use. The demand for MRE has increased significantly, paving the way for manufacturers in the market who are licensed to produce top-quality products. At present, nonmilitary personnel can buy MREs from various outlets and eCommerce stores. Each MRE product differs in packaging depending on the type of product. But they are more often than not, packaged in light containers for easy portability. The containers are tightly sealed to resist any elements that could tamper with the food. If handled in the right manner, these foods can last for a very long time and without the need for refrigeration. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters such as flash floods or hurricanes, you should consider buying MREs in bulk and store them in easily accessible places in your home. **How MREs Can Save You in Emergencies** During an emergency, almost everything stops working. For example, in the case of floods, roads are rendered impassable, meaning you will find it very hard to go out to a food store. Your power supply may be disrupted for several hours or even days. As a result, the food you've kept in the fridge may start to go bad in a day’s time. If you’re an outdoorsy person, you must know that a myriad of things can easily go wrong while out in nature. For instance, if something happens that renders you immobile or stranded at a place where emergency teams can’t access your location, you risk starving to death. In such situations, MREs can be a lifesaver. They can sustain you and your family during those difficult times or if you’re in a hostile environment where you can’t cook any food. **How Long Do MREs Last?** MREs can withstand any weather condition, no matter how extreme. This does not mean that they are invincible. Naturally, the shelf life of MREs is five years if stored under 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if these products are kept [under](https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/11/05/164337957/ready-to-eat-meals-feed-thousands-in-wake-of-superstorm-sandy) the right temperature, they can last up to ten years. If stored under 120°F, an MRE package will not go past a month. MREs are subjected to thorough testing procedures before being allowed to the market. But as a precautionary measure, you can check the packing and inspection dates on MRE containers. In most cases, the inspection date is three years after the manufacture date. **What’s an MRE Inspection Date** As opposed to other products, MREs have an inspection date instead of an expiration date. As mentioned earlier, the inspection date often falls between 3 to 5 years after manufacture. If you are faced with an emergency and have an MRE that is past its inspection date, use your sense of smell to determine whether the food is fit for human consumption. **How To Prepare an MRE** Just like the name suggests, MREs are meals ready to eat. But no one likes having their food cold regardless of the situation. MREs come with a ration heater that you can use to heat the food. Included in the package should be some salt, iron, and magnesium that you should use to create a chemical reaction that acts as a source of heat to warm the meal. The package should also have detailed instructions on how you can prepare the flameless heat. An MRE package should also have powdered drinks that can be mixed with water as well as plastic utensils for easy eating anywhere, at any time. **Are There Vegetarian MREs?** This is one of the commonly asked questions. Research shows that out of the 240 million adults aged above 18 years, 8 million are vegetarians, with at least one million being vegan. Vegetarians and vegans have different needs when it comes to food. For instance, some might prefer low sodium, gluten-free, locally grown, gourmet, and kosher. As such, a lot of companies are offering vegetarian MRE options. However, finding this type of MRE can be very difficult, with most of the outlets limited to specific locations. **Advantages of MREs** They Are Highly Versatile MREs offer a wide range of food options. You can go for MREs with ingredients like chicken, beef, pork, or fish. Vegetarians also have MREs that cater to their needs. Furthermore, MREs have different types of carbohydrates from various ingredients such as applesauce, rice, pasta, and oatmeal. **Multiple Food Choices** There are various food items in MREs. They include beverage flavoring powders, side dishes, energy bars, a main dish, instant coffee, and desserts. You can also access tabasco sauce, toilet pepper, spoon, salt, pepper, and chewing gum. It is important to note that each MRE component varies, and two MREs cannot contain the same items. Have a Long Shelf-Life MREs can last for a long time when stored under the right [conditions. ](https://safety.lovetoknow.com/disaster-preparedness/home-quarantine-checklist-your-emergency-stockpile )In most cases, they can last from five to ten years. Keeping them under cool temperatures is the best way to prolong their shelf life. **MREs Can Save Your Life** No one expects to be caught in an emergency, but it pays to be prepared. Now that you understand the significant value of MREs during emergencies, you should consider having them in stock. Ensure that you store them in the right conditions to prolong their shelf life. They can prove to be the difference when it really matters.