Emergency Food Storage

Emergency food storage is essential when you don't know if a hurricane, tornado or earthquake might disrupt your ability to drive to the local grocery store.  It may be even more important to have a supply of emergency items and food on hand in case of economic downturns and for a period of unemployment.

Things to keep in mind when you are planning your emergency food storage are:

Where and how much space you have to store your emergency cache.  Each storage place has advantages and disadvantages. A garage space can be vulnerable to looting, basements can flood, outdoor sheds might be knocked down by a tornado.  An indoor closet may be too small.  You might have to consider dividing your cache up into two or three smaller caches.

how much of an emergency supply you plan to store. Most experts agree that you should have from one to three months worth of emergency supplies on hand for each person you plan to feed and help shelter during a crisis.

How much can you budget each payday for emergency supplies and food.  Even a few dollars can add up if they are budgeted and you keep your commitment every payday.

Consider storage containers carefully. Durable, airtight seals, clear plastic and easy to store and carry are all good qualities of a home storage container.  Remember to use only food grade quality containers for food storage.  Larger containers should only be used for things like water storage or very bulky items.

Items you want to include in your emergency food storage cache are water, spices, cooking oils, and a variety of foods. for more ideas about foods to include see long term food storage.

Be sure to include portable cooking sources such as a camp stove with a good supply of fuel and cooking utensils. Depending on your set up the pots, pans and dishes from your kitchen will be sufficient.  Remember though if you are putting in a supply of items for an emergency there may not be electricity or gas at your home.

So, along with food think non-food items such as matches, candles, batteries, flashlights, trash bags, sleeping bags, a tent in case your house becomes uninhabitable.  Other items to consider are things like soap for personal hygiene and laundry detergent for washing clothes.