What Should I Store and How Much?

THREE MONTHS SUPPLY

Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. Those items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.

LONG TERM SUPPLY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

The following suggested amounts are for an adult for one month.

25 pounds of: wheat, white rice, corn and other grains. (storage life-30 plus years)
5 pounds of : dry beans (storage life-30 plus years)

You may also want to add other items to your longer-term storage such as sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, baking soda and cooking oil. To meet nutritional needs, also store foods containing Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Dry products intended for longer-term storage should be low in moisture (about 10 % or less) and free from insects.

DRINKING WATER

Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted.
If water comes directly from a good source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, break-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soft drinks.

Keep water containers away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store directly on cement. Place cardboard, etc. under container.

FINANCIAL RESERVE

Establish a finanacial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing if to a reasonable amount. Small bills($1, and $5) and coins are best for 72 hour kits.

For more information see: providentliving.org and other comunity sites.