This week our food storage focus is breakfast cereal.
STEP 1: 3-Month Supply (per adult) – 3 boxes. breakfast cereal
Why?: A useful everyday item as well as helpful during power outages as some can be eaten without milk. Consider the needs your family. There are various types of cereals you could store including boxed or bagged breakfast cereal, instant oatmeal, granola, cream of wheat, etc. Your 3-Month Supply should include shelf-stable foods your normally eats. Adapt how much based on the eating habits of your family. The amount shown assumes you currently eat additional items for breakfast. This is an item you need to constantly replenish.
Tip: I stack our cereal boxes horizontal with one box on top of the other so the expiration date can be seen.
Shelf Life: look at the shelf life on the item(s) you choose to store. Many have a 1 year shelf life.
STEP 2: Drinking Water – 14 gallons (FEMA) or about 4×24 ct. cases of bottled water
(Skip this step if you’ve already got it.)
Tip: Stock up this month! It’s everywhere today, but it may not be tomorrow. Buy more to replenish what you use. Small bottles are for short-term storage because you periodically use them. More durable containers are for long-term storage and need to be refilled every 6 months.
Shelf Life: see Still Tasty.com
STEP 3: Financial Reserve (per person) – $2.00 +/- per week
(Skip this if you’ve already accumulated your goal.)
Tip: Start your fund this month! Use only for emergencies. Keep some in the bank and some cash at home.
STEP 4: Longer-Term Supply (per adult) – no item this week
Toiletries Group 2 (per adult) – Toothbrush 1 ea.
Tip: Use your best judgement to figure out how much to stock up on for your family. A 3-month or 12 -month supply may be affordable for some families, but a 1 month supply may work for others. Once you know how much you want to stock, try to restock it after you use one.
Preparedness Goal – Emergency contact list
How: Create a list of the numbers of those you would contact in an emergency. Make sure your teens have these numbers stored in their cell phone. Have an out of state contact that you would all call if lines in state don’t work.
Equipment Goal – Cell phone with text ability
Why: After some disasters, cell phone calling becomes impossible. However, texting may still work. Consider having this function on your cell phone if you don’t already.
Weekly Inventory – Fruits and Vegetables
How: Go through your supply of these items and count, organize, use those close to their expiration date, or toss dented or torn container items. Mark on your inventory list. I only count a small portion of my items each week.
Good luck on your weekly goals. You CAN do it! Here is the printout of the February 2013 Food Storage list.
Instructions:
Each week, I post various food storage and emergency items to gather. By stocking up year round, you build up your supplies economically, use some, leave some on the shelf, and buy some more. Cycling keeps your items fresh and integrated into your everyday diet. I’ve incorporated the LDS 4-Step Approach to Home Storage, but with my suggested items to gather.
Work on STEP 1, 2 and 3, before moving to STEP 4: Long-Term Food Supply. It may take you awhile to gather your 3-Month Supply, water and a financial reserve. As long as you are moving forward, that’s what matters most. Only gather what you can afford, will eat, and choose goals you have time for. Substitute other foods that work for your family.