The threat of a pandemic seems strangely outdated to many people. People who are convinced modern science will always prevail over nature's adapting spread of diseases. It is the belief of others that in a world as out of balance as our own, strange viruses are apt to appear and spread faster than we can configure treatment.

Sickness is not any less common today than it was a couple hundred years ago, in fact, it might by even more common. Not as concerning as they once were, symptoms similar to a cold or the flu rarely keep anyone home these days, making illness all the more contagious. If a new virus was to surface today, it could spread at a frighteningly high rate and take a lot of lives before being controlled.

When considering a future pandemic, scientists look at Ebola as the perfect example of destructive and fatal disease that is highly complex and difficult to control. Ebola hemorrhagic fever has claimed thousands of lives in Africa, and to this day has no cure, only treatment that may or may not suffice to save a life. This bleeding disease has a 90% death rate, and is a cross-species disease infected initially by primates. When a disease affects human and non-human subjects it is difficult to contain, and can spread quickly as it is difficult to treat and track the infected animals.

Disease spillovers, or in other words an illness that jumps from species to species, is what most believe will cause our next big pandemic. Aside from Ebola, diseases like SARS, HIV and hantavirus have been contracted similarly, and caused severe outbreaks amongst various populations. These diseases weren't even all limited to primates, but other distinctly different wild animals.

According to many scientists, the reason for diseases spilling over from one species to another has something to do with our unstable environment. Our planet is constantly changing, and so are the populations introduced and dwindling in specific areas of the world. Some diseases unknown to us are carried by animals that then spread a disease they never appeared to have, mutating when contracted by a new host, which can cause severe damage to the human body. This sort of disease could become increasingly difficult to break.

The truth is, no one can pin point a day or a year when the next big pandemic might surface, only to descend after bringing a big piece of humanity with it.

Diseases like these are easier to prevent than cure:

1. Store at least a month's worth of survival food and water.
2. Stay inside, do not risk exposure, this is why you have emergency storage.
3. Keep a supply of first aid kits, medical masks, and rotate medicines and vitamins so you have a continuous supply. Wash your hands frequently.
4. Make a plan with your family on how to avoid infection and what to do if anyone is infected.
5. Don't panic, getting inside your head can cause you to feel sick even if you're not. Remaining calm will keep your body stronger and your mind sharper.

Remember, being independent allows you to safely isolate yourself from the dangers of a pandemic by limiting the need to leave your home. It is important to understand the dangers and prepare for them wisely, but don't let yourself panic. Pandemic's throughout history have always been resolved through modern medicine, and humanity survives. Survive with your emergency supplies and live to talk about it.

American values include independence, safety and family. These are some of the many things we think about when providing our home-grown long term food to people like you, who just want to prepare for anything and keep their family safe.

My Food Storage aims to provide families with a long-term food supply that keeps you in mind. We're about protecting the American dream, keeping your family safe, and providing innovative solutions for the long haul.

This is why we offer what we do, a great product that will last you 25 years without hassle, whatever future troubles you may face. Our food is made with ingredients grown on farms across the United States, and is freeze-dried fresh to guarantee great natural taste and nutrition. It's packaged, not in the out-dated #10 can, but in efficient and safe Mylar pouches that lock in all that farm-fresh goodness.

We know that a lot of freeze-dried food is not kid-approved, some isn't even adult-approved, but our high quality meals have passed every taste-test and impressed. Kids love our Cheesy Mac and Stroganoff, and so will you. Don't believe us? Try a free sample.

Of course, even more important than the taste is what we put into the food, and where it comes from. All of our meals, vegetables and meats are made with only the best farm-grown ingredients, so you can eat well and live well without worry.

The food is freeze-dried, processed and packaged here in the U.S. as well, so you know you can trust in the quality. We don't use any mystery meat or fillers, and provide a wide variety of universally loved entrees and breakfasts to not only suit your needs, but please your taste buds.

A crisis can take many different shapes and forms. Hazards are everywhere, waiting to surface. So how do we survive whatever the future holds? How can we minimize the damage?

- First of all, be aware. Stay informed and understand what risks there are for your particular part of the world. Usually, it's impossible to know just exactly when or where a disaster will strike, but the least you can do is determine your risks and prepare for the worst.

- Plan Ahead. We're all about this. Prepping is your best bet on a secure future no matter the circumstances. There are times when we can't help being taken by surprise, which is why it is so important that we are ready for anything. Make plans with your family in case of an evacuation, or a disaster that calls for staying in and waiting it out. This way, when the time comes you won't need to panic because you'll already know what to do.

- Stock Up! Put together a good stock of long term emergency food and water, along with other survival supplies. Don't rely on modern amenities, keep back-up alternatives for heat, light, and power. We recommend at least a 1 month supply of food, but preferably more. You never know how long you'll need it, and the last thing you want to do is go hungry during an emergency.

Having a personal supply of food and water empowers you to take control of your survival and minimize the damage it has on the necessities and daily comforts you and your family need.

- Stay Calm & Conserve... Don't lose your head in a crisis; you're going to need it. Be rational, all things pass. Focus on the positive and keep yourself well hydrated and fed so you are strong enough to face any emergency. Don't waste any energy unless absolutely necessary.

Our delicious emergency meals last 25 years, making them ideal for long term storage and survival purposes. However, they are great tasting and easy enough to prepare for everyday use as well. Here are some ideas on alternative uses for our meals:

- Camping or outdoor use: Our meals only require heat and water, which means they are perfect for outdoor use. Whether you're only on a day trip, hike, or weekend of camping, you'll be impressed with the delicious high quality of our food.

- Travel: Many people choose to bring our meals along on international trips, a food source they can trust that is easy to prepare and light weight enough to bring along. They are also great for long road trips, planes, and airport layovers that leave you hungry and only offer expensive food options.

- Quick Meal: On busy work days, our meals make the perfect no hassle lunch or dinner that is easy to prepare and ready to eat fast. They're so tasty, you won't regret opening up a pouch!

Tip: some of our favorite and most-loved emergency meals are pasta alfredo, savory stroganoff, and creamy vegetable pasta!

Keep all of these alternative meal ideas in mind while we are fast approaching a busy back-to-school season and squeezing in a final summer vacation. Let us know if you come up with any more great alternative meal uses, they could be featured in a future blog post!