Whether or not you consider yourself to be a prepper, it’s always a good idea to have a food storage supply for emergencies. You’ll want some extra food and water on hand that will last for a few days or weeks when natural disasters, power outages, severe winter storms, and man-made calamities occur. In these situations, you might find yourself without the basics of survival.
Even if you do have an emergency food and water supply, it is recommended to take an inventory of your food storage items at least once a year. That way you can assess your current state of readiness and update your food and non-food items as needed. Chances are that you’ll need to remove some items and add others.
Here are some things to look for when updating your long-term food storage items.
- Expiration date – Almost all food items have an expiration date. Check the date on the item or package. Get rid of those items that are expired and replace them. There are a few food items that will never spoil including honey, salt, sugar, baking soda, instant coffee, bottled water, white rice, and powdered milk. Consider investing in these particular items because they can last a lifetime using proper storage methods.
- Nonfood items – Even though nonfood items will never expire, check the condition of these things. Items like knives, guns, tents, clothes, stoves, radios and tools might need to be cleaned and/or repaired. It’s always frustrating to discover that the item doesn’t work right when you want it. Make sure these items are still in working condition and have fresh batteries if applicable. Check the supplies in your first aid kits and replace any medicines that have expired.
- Storage containers – When taking your inventory, it’s helpful to check the condition of food storage containers. Containers can get damaged or break down over time. Check for holes, decay, and broken seals. Your food storage supplies can last longer with proper containers that keep out moisture, insects, and are resistant to damage.
- Organization – Besides the items themselves, it might also be time to update how you organize your items. You can use your own methods for organization or adapt someone else’s. The ultimate goal is to make it easier for you to find items in an emergency. Consider making an updated list of supplies that lets you know what you have on hand and what you still need.
Even though it might be overwhelming to update your food storage, it’s important to do a little at a time. Set small goals for yourself throughout the year so that the process is not tedious but actually enjoyable.