How To Store Emergency Food

If there’s anything we’ve learned lately — between recent natural disasters and the global pandemic — it’s that we need to expect the unexpected. While we can’t always control what comes our way, we can take several actions to prepare for crises we may face. This includes stocking up on some emergency food. 

 

In cases where you can’t leave your home, like a health crisis or a natural disaster, a stash of emergency food can help see you through the event. However, it’s important to know what kinds of emergency food to have on hand, as well as how to properly store it. 

 

In our guide, we’ll cover the best ways to store food for emergencies so that you have a supply on hand if and when you need it. 

 

What Is Emergency Food?

Before we dive into our top tips for storing food for survival, let’s discuss what we mean when we refer to “emergency food.”

 

Emergency food refers to a supply of food you can eat during a crisis. For example, maybe a hurricane has downed trees and flooded your neighborhood, making it unsafe for you to go to the grocery store. Or maybe you and your family have to quarantine due to a COVID-19 outbreak, so you can’t go out to purchase more food. In these cases, you could eat from your emergency supply until it’s safe for you to venture outside your home. 

 

The kinds of food your supply contains will come down to personal preference, but your supply should include non-perishable items, so you won’t have to worry about them spoiling over time. The best emergency food supplies are the ones you can pack up today and still enjoy a year or two down the road. Also, keep in mind that in some emergency situations may leave you without electricity, so you’ll want to include foods in your supply that don’t require refrigeration to preserve it or power to heat it up. 

 

Examples of emergency food include:

 

• Canned foods, such as fruits, veggies, and meat
• Protein bars
• Peanut butter and jam
• Crackers
• Trail mix
• Jerky
• Dehydrated or freeze-dried foods
• Bottled water 

 

Tips for Storing Emergency Food 

Disasters can strike at any time, so it’s crucial to be prepared. Follow our seven tips on how to store emergency food. 

 

Tip #1: Don’t Include Food You Don’t Enjoy

Of course, if you’re in an emergency situation, you’re going to eat whatever you have access to, but why shouldn’t it be a meal or snacks you enjoy? 

 

We recommend purchasing and storing food that you like and know how to cook, so it will be easy for you to eat. In the same vein, if you’ve never prepared dehydrated or freeze-dried foods before, it’s best to practice doing it ahead of time, so you don’t wind up with a bunch of food you don’t know how to use. 

 

Tip #2: Keep an Eye on Expiration Dates 

When it comes to your long-term food storage supply, don’t just stock up on a bunch of items and then forget about them. Even perishable foods have expiration dates, and it would be a pity to realize your entire food supply had gone bad. 

 

We recommend keeping an eye on expiration dates and rotating out your items. Are you planning on making some chili this weekend? Use the beans from your food supply, but replace them the next time you go to the store. Because you’ll be storing emergency food that you actually like to eat and know how to cook (see tip # 1), using and replenishing your supply should be a cinch. 

 

Tip #3: Consider Healthy Options

Sure, if you’re experiencing an emergency situation, you may be craving cookies over a healthy meal, but it’s important to fuel your body with proper vitamins and nutrients. After all, you don’t know how long you’ll be relying on this supply, and you won’t want to live off cookies for days on end. 

 

When storing food for survival, stock up on healthy items. Look for canned fruits and veggies and avoid anything with too much sugar or sodium. Also, be mindful of your family’s dietary restrictions. For example, if your son has a gluten intolerance or your wife has a peanut allergy, buy options that they can safely consume.

 

Tip #4: Don’t Forget Water 

Once you’ve determined the kinds of foods to include in your supply, be sure to stock up on plenty of bottled water. This is because natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes can interrupt your access to water or contaminate the source, which means you might not be able to safely drink the water from your faucet. 

 

Because humans can only survive three to five days without water, it’s essential to have enough water on hand to keep your family hydrated for at least a few days. 

 

Tip #5: Store Your Food Supply in a Cool, Dry Place

Now that you’ve got supplies, how do you store food and water for an emergency? Choose a cool, dry place that doesn’t experience fluctuating temperatures or humidity levels. You’ll want to avoid direct sunlight and areas that attract moisture, which can cause mildew and mold to grow. 

 

Some people like to organize a special place in their kitchen pantry for emergency supplies, while others prefer to store theirs in their basement. Where you decide to store your supply is ultimately up to you, but we suggest choosing a storage area that is easily accessible. 

 

Tip #6: Prevent Pests

Bugs, rodents, and other critters may be just as interested in your food as you are, so you must take measures to prevent pests from getting into your supply. 

 

First, check your storage location for any signs of pests, including chew marks or droppings. If you find any, you may want to look into natural deterrents, such as peppermint or lavender essential oils. But if you have a big pest problem on your hands, you might need to look for professional help. 

 

Once you’ve rid your storage area of unwelcome visitors, the best way to store food long-term is in a sealed, air-tight container. You might go with a plastic bin with a lid or take it one step further with vacuum-sealed bags. Not only will this keep pests away, but it will protect your supply from any moisture, too. It’s also a good idea to add oxygen absorber packets to your storage containers, which remove oxygen to prevent insect or bug eggs from hatching.

 

For more guidance on pest prevention, check out our tips for keeping mice away from your storage. 

 

Tip #7: Look Into Your Storage Rental Rules and Regulations

If you’re considering storing food long-term in your off-site storage unit, familiarize yourself with your storage facility’s rental policy first. Many storage facilities actually prohibit you from storing any food or liquids in your unit, even if they’re non-perishable items. When in doubt, ask the storage staff about any food-related policies or review your rental agreement to ensure you’re following the rules. 

 

If your rental facility does allow you to store non-perishable food, a climate-controlled unit is your best bet. These units are designed to maintain a specific temperature and humidity range at all times. But just because you decide to store your emergency food off-site doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow the above tips. Remember to inspect your supply, monitor expiration dates, and prevent pests. 

 

Turn to Stor-It 

Whether you have questions about what you can store in your rental unit or need advice on how to pack up your home, we’re here with you every step of the way. At Stor-It, we’re the experts in moving, packing, and storing your belongings. After all, we’re the largest and oldest storage facility in the Gem States. With more than 15 storage locations around Treasure Valley, you’re sure to find a facility near you. Contact us today to learn more!