STAY READY
Regularly update and maintain your emergency supplies to ensure they remain effective and reliable when needed most.
ORGANIZE
Goal
Organizing Preps by Type and Expiration Date
Categorize Supplies
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Group similar items together (food, water, medical supplies, hygiene, tools).
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Use clear storage bins or label containers to easily identify each category.
Expiry Date Tracking
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Label each item or container with expiration dates for quick visibility.
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Arrange items by expiration date, with the soonest to expire at the front of shelves or bins.
Rotation Plan
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Rotate food, water, and medications regularly. Move older items to the front when restocking so they’re used first.
MAINTAIN
Goal
Schedule Routine Maintenance
s
Monthly Checks
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Quick Inspection: Look for signs of damage, leaks, or contamination in storage areas.
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Water Rotation: For non-bottled water, change stored water every 6-12 months. If you’re using commercially bottled water, check expiry dates monthly.
Quarterly Checks
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First Aid & Medications: Review medications and first aid supplies, especially items that might expire soon. Replace expired items as needed.
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Food Inspection: Check cans for rust, bulging, or leaks, and examine packaging for any signs of pests or damage.
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Tools and Gear: Inspect flashlights, batteries, cooking equipment, and emergency tools to ensure they’re functioning. Replace batteries or other components as needed.
Biannual Checks (Every 6 Months)
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Full Inventory Audit: Take a complete inventory to track what you have, what needs replacing, and what might be running low.
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Rotation of Food and Water: Replace older food and bottled water with new items. Donate non-expired food nearing expiration to local food banks if possible.
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Restocking Pet Supplies: Check that you have enough pet food, medications, and other essentials to last the planned duration.
Annual Checks
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Clothing and Shelter Gear: Examine any stored clothing, blankets, and tents for mildew or wear, especially if stored in less climate-controlled areas.
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Seasonal Adjustments Reevaluate items based on season—add or remove items like blankets, hand warmers, cooling towels, or sunscreen.
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Update Contact Lists Verify that emergency contacts are current, and update out-of-state contacts, local shelters, or family meeting points as necessary.
rotate
GOAL
Best Practices for Stock Rotation
Use-By and Best-By Dates
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Foods like canned goods, grains, and dehydrated items often last past their expiration dates but may lose quality. Rotate them by using items a few months before they expire and replacing them with fresh stock.
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Create a system to document expiration dates (e.g., spreadsheet, app, or labeled storage bins) for easy tracking.
FIFO System (First In, First Out)
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Practice FIFO by placing newer items at the back of your storage and moving older items forward. This ensures that supplies nearing expiration are used before newer items.
Food Storage Tips
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Store food in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.
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Use airtight containers to protect from pests and moisture, especially for grains, pasta, and pet food.
environmental control
goal
Environmental Control for Long-Term Storage
Temperature
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Keep stored items in a climate-controlled space if possible, ideally between 50-70°F, to prevent spoilage, particularly for food and medications.
Humidity
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Use desiccants or moisture absorbers in storage areas, especially for medical supplies, food, and tools. Avoid storing preps in damp areas like basements unless they’re well-ventilated and dry.
Pest Prevention
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Inspect storage areas regularly for signs of pests.
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Use sealed containers, especially for food, pet food, and medical items, to prevent contamination.
up-to-date
Goal
Keeping Your Emergency Kit Fresh and Relevant
Adapt Preps to Family Changes
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Regularly review any changes in family size, health needs, or dietary restrictions. Update items as necessary—this could mean adding baby supplies, specific dietary foods, or new medications.
Add or Adjust for Regional Risks
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Reevaluate your kit based on current or emerging risks in your area, such as wildfires, hurricanes, or power outages, and update supplies to match.
Update Plans and Contacts
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Make sure evacuation routes and emergency contacts are current. Update your family’s emergency communication plan and discuss it at least once a year.
success!
GOAL
Practical Tips for Long-Term Preparedness Success
Set Calendar Reminders
Use digital reminders for rotation schedules, monthly or quarterly checks, and annual full reviews. This keeps your preps top-of-mind and reduces the chance of overlooked expiration dates.
Budget for Maintenance
Allocate a small monthly budget for replacing and expanding supplies, which helps to keep up with rotating items without large upfront costs.
Practice with Your Supplies
Familiarize yourself with using stored gear (e.g., camping stoves, water filters, first aid kits) to ensure ease and comfort in an emergency.
Practice emergency drills, especially evacuation, so that using these preps becomes second nature.