Preparedness
Master the Art of Stockpiling: Essential Tips for Preparedness
When natural disasters like hurricanes and blizzards strike, they can make roads impassable and grocery stores inaccessible. These events, along with power outages that spoil refrigerated food, highlight the importance of having a stockpile of long-term emergency food. Experts in emergency preparedness suggest maintaining at least a three-day supply of food and water at all times. However, this is just the starting point.
Beyond natural disasters, man-made crises such as terrorism can also disrupt access to food. Consider the impact if the power grid were attacked, potentially leaving you without power for weeks. It’s crucial to ask yourself: would you have enough food to sustain your family during such an event?
To prepare for these scenarios, stockpiling and rotating food supplies is essential. However, the task can seem daunting, especially if you’re unsure of what you need. Start by understanding your long-term food needs to set achievable goals. While a three-day supply is a good beginning, most experts recommend having more. Aim for at least 2,000 calories per day per family member, which translates to three meals daily. For a family of three, this means nine breakfasts, nine lunches, and nine dinners for a three-day period.
Once you determine your ultimate food storage goal—be it a week, a month, or even a year—you can start working toward it. Begin by listing the types of food you wish to stockpile.
One hurdle many face is the cost of long-term food supplies. The price of a six-month supply can be shocking, but it’s important to remember that these foods are designed and packaged for longevity. The good news is you don’t need to purchase everything at once. Allocate a portion of your budget to gradually build your stockpile. Use extra funds, like tax returns or gifts, to bolster this effort.
“Don’t rush it! Start small with what you can afford and store.” Begin with a manageable three-day supply and slowly expand it. Each addition will bring peace of mind.
Being strategic about your purchases can also help. Identify the types of long-term food you need and monitor sales. During regular grocery trips, pick up extra items on sale for your emergency stash. Subscribing to emails from emergency food companies can alert you to discounts, allowing you to use saved funds effectively.
While starting small is advisable, buying in bulk can also save money. For instance, purchasing a 3-Month Emergency Food Supply can be more cost-effective than buying multiple smaller kits.
Keep track of your progress by maintaining a list of what you have and what you still need. This will prevent over-purchasing certain items while neglecting others.
Pay attention to expiration dates. Long-term emergency food might have a shelf life of up to thirty years, but other pantry staples can expire much sooner. “A basic rule of thumb is to put your newer items in the back and move your older items to the front each time you restock.”
Proper packaging is crucial, especially for items like pasta, rice, and flour, which are not packaged for long-term storage when bought from the grocery store. Consider using five-gallon buckets and oxygen absorbers to protect these foods from moisture, oxygen, and pests.
Store your food in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or moisture can spoil your supplies faster.
Finally, invest in quality food that your family will actually eat. “Before you buy an item for your food supply, ask yourself if your family will actually eat it more than once during an emergency.” If possible, try a sample before committing to a large purchase. Your long-term food supply should not only sustain you but also provide necessary nutrients.
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