This article about 17 ultimate smart strategies for food storage and water reserves, focuses on the supplies you should gather before any emergency happens. Our previous article taught you skills for growing, foraging, or hunting your own food. This time, we’ll show you how to stockpile food and water for the long run. Many preppers spend a lot of time on stockpiling emergency food to avoid panic during a crisis. We’ll discuss food storage first, and then cover how to manage your water reserves.
If you have somehow missed Step 1, we recommend circling back for a complete understanding, by following the link at the bottom.
Food Storage and Water Reserves: Survival Food Strategies
When it comes to food storage, it is important to aim for food items with the longest possible shelf life. While not all supplies will last 25 to 30 years, many do. Most foods you’ll stock up on, like canned or boxed goods from your local store, typically last around two years or more.
If you shop at an online survival store, you can find food buckets or containers that last for decades. You can also buy MREs (used by the military) or freeze-dried food, both of which have long shelf lives.
Checking Food Quality and Storage Tips
Always check the packaging of your food to make sure it hasn’t spoiled before you eat it, no matter the stated shelf life. Set up a rotation system where you place new items in the back and keep soon-to-expire foods up front. This way, you use them before they go bad and prevent food waste.
Store your food in a cool, dry, and dark place. Sunlight can degrade the materials, so choose your storage location wisely to keep your supplies in good condition.
Keep your food off the ground, not on the floor. This stops pests from getting to it and avoids the temperature effects of a concrete floor on food quality.
You can use storage shelves in any room to keep your survival food, or simply place it on a wooden pallet to lift it off the concrete or tile floor. This gives your long-term food some added protection and longer shelf life.
Packaging and Storing Food Safely
When storing food in containers, add an oxygen absorber or use packaging that keeps the food safe. Options include airtight containers like food-grade buckets with tight lids or mylar bags.
Avoid Storing Food Near Chemicals
Don’t store food near other survival supplies that contain chemicals. You want to prevent any chance of chemicals contaminating your food, either by leaching or accidental spills.
Pest Control Measures for Food Safety
Periodically add items to your food stockpile that deter pests or insects. The last thing you want is for weevils or other pests to infiltrate your food supply.
Natural Pest Repellents
You can use natural ingredients scattered around your food storage area to keep pests away and avoid food waste. Alternatively, diatomaceous earth works well to repel insects and can be sprinkled around your food storage area.
Choosing the Right Survival Foods for Storage
When deciding on survival foods to stockpile, don’t just go for the cheapest options. It’s wise to save money on initial emergency supplies, but your choices should extend beyond just cost.
Account for Special Dietary Needs
First, consider any special dietary requirements someone in your family may have. Whether it’s lactose intolerance or a specific allergy, aim to accommodate these needs as best as you can.
Focus on Nutritional Needs
Next, think about the nutritional needs of your family, which differ from dietary restrictions. Here, you’ll focus on factors like calorie content and the health benefits of your food choices.
Calculate Daily Caloric Needs
Figure out the minimum daily calorie intake for each family member and ensure you have enough food to meet those needs. In a survival situation, you might also lack certain vitamins and nutrients, so choose foods that offer a range of health benefits.
Choose Easy-to-Prepare Foods for Food Storage
Choose foods that are simple to prepare. In situations where the grid is down or you’re in the wilderness, being able to boil water and add it to your meal is a straightforward way to cook.
Consider Comfort Foods for Morale
Don’t overlook the emotional aspect of food. Stress levels will already be high during a survival situation, and familiar comfort foods can offer a morale boost. Make sure these comfort foods also have a long shelf life. For example, hard candy can be a great treat to stock up on for family members with a sweet tooth.
Pay Attention to Taste and Variety
Many over-the-counter survival foods can be bland. If you plan to hunt, fish, or forage, remember to store pantry staples like salt, sugar, oil, flour, and various seasonings to add flavor.
Don’t Forget Specialty Drinks
While not a food item, specialty drinks like cocoa, dry milk, and tea can provide variety and comfort. These can usually be prepared with just added water, making them convenient choices for tough situations.
Plan for Future Family Needs
When compiling your list of food and supplies, think ahead. For instance, you might have a three-year-old now, but if the survival event is prolonged, you’ll need to plan for the appetite of a pre-teen.
Prepare for New Family Additions
Also, consider the possibility that someone in your family could become pregnant. In that case, you’ll need formula, baby food, and toddler-appropriate foods. Stocking up on supplements like prenatal vitamins and other daily vitamins can also be beneficial for maintaining family health over the long term.
Food Storage and Water Reserves: Water Reserves Strategies
Let’s shift our focus to the crucial point of water reserves strategies. Water is even more vital than food because you can’t survive as long without it. And it’s not just for drinking; you’ll need water for gardening, laundry, hygiene, and more.
Don’t Just Stock Bottled Water
Simply buying a few bottles of water to keep in your pantry won’t suffice in a severe survival situation. It’s essential to consider longer-term water storage solutions, such as larger containers or barrels specifically designed for water preservation.
Additionally, having a water purification system or tablets on hand can be a lifesaver, allowing you to treat and consume water from uncertain sources safely.
Remember, an average person needs about a gallon of water per day under normal circumstances, and this amount can increase with physical exertion or extreme heat. It’s also worth noting that water isn’t just for drinking; it’s required for cooking, cleaning, and hygiene.
Thus, when preparing for emergencies, always prioritize a comprehensive and sustainable water strategy over a temporary solution.
Challenges in Storing Water
Storing enough water for long-term survival can be a challenge due to its weight and volume. For example, if you need 1 gallon per person for a family of four for 30 days, that adds up to 120 gallons—quite a space-consuming amount for just one month.
Furthermore, water isn’t static; it can become contaminated if not stored properly, especially if the container isn’t airtight or if it’s exposed to sunlight and environmental contaminants for extended periods.
The weight of the water itself also poses logistical problems; 120 gallons weigh nearly 1,000 pounds, making transport or relocation difficult without appropriate equipment. Plus, plastic containers can degrade over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight, which could compromise the water’s quality.
It’s crucial to keep these challenges in mind and plan accordingly, perhaps by integrating rotation systems or using multiple smaller containers for better manageability.
Consider Efficient Storage Solutions
You can buy containers designed for efficient water storage. Choose dark, stackable containers that look like bricks. These are much easier to store than traditional gallon jugs from the grocery store.
Their rectangular design allows them to fit snugly against one another, maximizing space in storage areas. Moreover, the dark coloration of these containers helps prevent the growth of algae and bacteria, as it minimizes sunlight exposure.
Using such specialized containers can also ensure that the water remains airtight, preserving its quality for longer periods. Additionally, the ergonomic design often includes handles or grips, making transport and rotation more manageable.
It’s essential to invest in solutions that not only store water but also maintain its purity and ease of access.
Consider a Rainwater Collection System
Installing an outdoor rainwater collection system can serve multiple purposes. Once filtered and purified, this water is drinkable. You can also use it for hygiene, like bathing and laundry, and for irrigating your garden.
The natural collection of rainwater can provide a sustainable source of water, especially in regions that experience frequent rainfalls.
Additionally, rainwater is typically soft water, meaning it has low concentrations of calcium and magnesium, which can be beneficial for both your skin and plants.
When setting up a rainwater collection system, it’s essential to use materials that are safe for potable water and ensure your collection points, like rooftops, are free from contaminants. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and checking filters, is crucial to maintain the water’s purity.
With the increasing scarcity of water resources in some areas, a rainwater collection system can be an environmentally friendly way to ensure a reliable water supply for various needs.
Use Purification Tablets or Bleach
To keep your water safe, consider adding a few drops of unscented bleach per gallon or use water purification tablets. These methods help prevent bacterial growth in your water supply. While unscented bleach is a readily available household item, it’s crucial to be precise with the amount added, as too much can be harmful. Usually, about 6-8 drops per gallon is recommended, but always refer to safety guidelines.
On the other hand, water purification tablets and portable water filters are specially formulated for treating water, often containing iodine or chlorine-based compounds. They are portable and easy to use, making them a favorite for backpackers and travelers.
Whichever method you choose, ensure you mix thoroughly and allow the treated water to stand for at least 30 minutes before consumption. Regularly checking and maintaining the purity of stored water ensures not only its potability but also its taste and odor. Make sure to rotate the supply regularly. Always label containers with the date you stored the water and whether you purified it.
Map Out Natural Water Sources
Don’t rely solely on stored water or expect to find supplies in stores. Identify natural water sources like rivers, lakes, or ponds in your area where you can refill your containers if needed. Remember to purify any water you gather. Familiarizing yourself with these sources beforehand can be crucial in emergency situations, ensuring you don’t waste precious time searching when every moment counts. Consider investing in a topographical map or utilizing GPS apps to pinpoint exact locations and routes to these water bodies.
Additionally, always be cautious when approaching natural water sources, as they may be inhabited by wildlife or may have varying water levels depending on the season. It’s also worth noting that while flowing water from streams or rivers is generally less stagnant than still water from ponds or lakes, both should be treated or boiled to eliminate pathogens and contaminants. Regularly scouting and revisiting these sources can also help you stay updated on their accessibility and quality.
Conclusion
By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that you have not just ample food but also a reliable and safe water storage system. Whether dealing with short-term emergencies or preparing for long-term scenarios, your food and water reserves are key to your family’s survival.
Being prepared isn’t just about having supplies; it’s about having the right supplies and knowing how to manage your food storage and water reserves system effectively. Therefor, consider making an emergency stockpile checklist.
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