Time to get back on track. For week 20, gather sauces as well as other suggested items.
STEP 1: 3-MONTH SUPPLY (per adult) – Sauces 12 ounces total.
Tip: I like to have a supply of sauces and marinades in my food storage. The suggested amount is a starting place. Since we have 5 people at home, I would gather 60 oz. of sauces. You may have 2 people and would gather 24 oz. This could be a variety of teriyaki, soy, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, marinades, etc. Don’t go overboard! Some of these things last more than a year. Consider what you use most often and stock more of that item. Or simplify and keep one in the fridge and one on the shelf. (Don’t include BBQ sauce as we will gather it in a few weeks.
Shelf Life: Varies. Check the label.
STEP 2: DRINKING WATER (per person if needed) – 14 gallons water
FEMA recommends 1 gallon per day of drinking water per person. That’s about 4×24 ct. cases of bottled water per person. “You will also need water for food preparation, bathing, brushing teeth, and dish washing. Store a 3-5 day supply of water (at least 5 gallons for each person).” FEMA
Tip: Around Memorial Day, you can usually find a great price on bottled water. Small bottles are for short-term storage, so slowly go through your supply and replenish. More durable food grade containers are for long-term storage.
Shelf Life: small commercially prepared bottles store indefinitely. Other containers need to be refilled every 6 months. Store off your cement floor on 2×4’s or on a shelf.
STEP 3: FINANCIAL RESERVE (per person) – $2.00 +/- per week
Tip: Add to your fund each week for emergencies. Keep some in the bank and some cash in small bills at home.
STEP 4: LONGER-TERM SUPPLY (per person) – Nothing this week
OTHER STORAGE ITEMS
FOOD PREP 1 – Paper plates
Tip: This is a great month to buy paper plates. These can be useful during disasters when you may not have running water, but are also helpful for those summer parties. I always keep a small supply on hand.
PREPAREDNESS GOAL – Pet 72-hour kit
Tip: If you own a pet, don’t forget to put together a 72-hour kit for her. I put items for my dog in a red backpack and included food, water and a plastic bowl. I kept it hanging near her leash in the broom closet. You could certainly be more elaborate but I kept mine simple.
EQUIPMENT GOAL – Charcoal and Lighter fluid
Tip: These items are great for emergency use and barbecues. Make sure you get the right kind of briquettes if you plan to use them for Dutch oven cooking. We made the mistake once and bought the quick light and needless to say, the food did not cook correctly.
WEEKLY INVENTORY – Paper & Plastics
How: Check your supply of paper cups, plates, utensils, napkins, paper towels, etc. Great for everyday use AND emergency use.
Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the May 2013 Food Storage List. If you are new around here, go to my START HERE page.
Join me on Facebook!