Do you know what to do in the event that your stove isn’t working during an emergency? How will you cook all of the foods that you’ve been storing or are you planning to eat them cold? How will you cook if you don’t have electricity? How to cook without electricity is something to consider before an emergency happens.

One way of cooking without electricity is in a simple outdoor grill or firepit. Also, consider investing in a good set of cast iron pots and pans, maybe even a Dutch oven. These will allow you to cook over an open flame. Take care of the cast iron. If you care for them properly, they will probably last longer than you will live.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not cook over an open flame inside! Where you cook should be very well ventilated. Have a battery-powered, CO detector in your cooking area.

Another idea to cook without electricity during an emergency is on a portable camp stove with some kind of camp pot. However, don’t forget to stock the appropriate fuel. In my opinion, propane seems to be the better, more efficient options.

Whichever way you choose to cook your food, make sure to always keep safety at the top of the priority list. Many people die every year from Carbon Monoxide poisoning that could have very easily been avoided. In addition, have back-up cooking methods for cooking without electricity. You never know what an emergency will bring, and you don’t want to get caught unprepared because your one cooking source failed.

Check out our article on How to Use a Dutch Oven