If you would like to accumulate a stockpile of food, water and other supplies for a survival situation, you should first start with identifying a storage location. For many, it’s easier to keep your survival stockpile separated from your daily use items. This will make it easier to keep a running inventory of what you have on hand. You’ll also want your emergency food stockpile stored in a way that ensures it’s going to last for years.
| Key takeaways: • Store food items in a dark, cool (under 75°F), and dry location • Use oxygen absorbers where possible • Rotate cans and other items from time to time |
- Keep it Dry
That is one of the most important factors for any food storage area. Many people will use their basements as a storage area. This is great if you can keep humidity levels low. Moisture is the number one enemy to food storage. Moisture breeds mold and is like laying out a doormat for pests. Find somewhere in your house that is bone-dry. If you’re going to use an area that might be prone to moisture, either buy a dehumidifier or put out some of those inexpensive moisture absorber containers. Depending on the size of your storage area, you may need several. In rainy weather, you’ll need to replace often. - No Direct Sunlight
Ideally, the temperature for your space should be between 55°F and 75°F degrees. The cooler it is the better it is for long-term storage. Sunlight shining through a window is going to cook your food over time. If you are using a spare bedroom or another area with windows, cover the windows with light-blocking curtains. Dark and cool is the key. - Raised Above the Floor
Never put your stock directly on the floor. If there is a disaster or you have an accident, like a water heater that leaks before you catch it, you risk ruining your food. Ideally, store food at least six inches off the ground, but if you can only manage a couple of inches, that’s far better than having it on the ground. - Proper Shelving Will Help
There’s no reason to go out and buy anything expensive. If you can get used shelves, go for it. Sturdy shelves that can support the weight of cans and heavy bags of rice, beans and other foods are what you need. Look in the garage shelving section of your home improvement store or if you can find a restaurant liquidation sale, that’s a great option. Skip the typical kitchen pantry shelving. It’s thin and won’t hold much. If you’re space challenged, you don’t want to waste precious space with shelves that can’t hold a hundred pounds of food. For added safety, use wall anchors to secure your shelves to the wall. This is a good idea if you have young children, but it also ensures your food will stay on the shelves in case of an earthquake, or whatever else might happen. - Organize Like Items
This will make it much easier for you to see what you have and what you need to purchase. If you are able, keep an inventory list hanging from a clipboard in your storeroom. When you add something, update the list. When you pull items out, note it. - Rotate, Rotate, Rotate!
The rule is first in, first out. For foods that have shorter shelf lives, you’ll want to refresh your stock every month or two. Pull from the front and use in your daily life and replenish by adding to the back. If you can afford canned food organizers, it makes it so simple to not only keep your cans tidy but makes rotating a breeze. - Regularly Check Stockpile for Signs of Spoilage
Look for bulging, leaking cans and toss them immediately. Handle with gloves. This is a strong sign of botulism. Use your nose and give everything the smell test. You might not be able to see mold or mildew inside packaging, but you can certainly smell it. - Look for Signs of Pest Infestation
The old rule is there is never just one. Be proactive. Insects, rodents, and all other kinds of pests will find your food. Proper storage methods can eliminate a lot of issues. However, putting out traps for rodents and sprinkling diatomaceous earth around shelves to prevent some insects is always a good idea. If you see evidence of a problem, handle it immediately. If they have gotten into any of your food, toss it. Give the space a good cleaning and start fresh.