[TGE-mail] Tips for Preparing An Emergency Stockpile

[Re, Donald E]

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Tips for Preparing An Emergency Stockpile 


(An article from Security Products -
http://www.secprodonline.com/index.aspx )

February 25 2008 

Emergencies -- such as tornadoes, floods, storms, earthquakes or even
disease outbreaks -- can happen unexpectedly. You may be without
electricity, refrigeration, clean tap water or phone service for days or
weeks. In some cases, such as during a disease outbreak, you may be
asked to stay home to keep safe. That's why having an emergency
preparedness stockpile is important. 

What should I put in my emergency preparedness stockpile? 

All Americans should have at least a three-day supply of food and water
stored in their homes, with at least one gallon of water per person per
day. If you have the space, experts recommend a week's supply of food
and water. 

Choose foods that don't require refrigeration and are not high in salt.
Your stockpile should also contain flashlights, a manual can opener, a
radio, batteries and copies of important documents. Depending on your
family's needs, you may also need medical supplies, pet food, contact
lens solution or diapers. 

If it's too expensive for you to buy everything for your stockpile at
once, pick up one or two items every time you go to the grocery store.
Stock up on canned vegetables or batteries when there is a sale. Bulk
"club" stores can also help you save money on your supplies, especially
if you split a case with a friend, co-worker or neighbor, who can serve
as your "preparedness buddy." 

Once you've assembled your stockpile, put it where you won't be tempted
to "borrow" from it the next time you run out of batteries or need beans
for a recipe. Remember: Your stockpile is for emergencies! 

How do I store my emergency preparedness stockpile? 

It's best to store your stockpile somewhere that is easy to access
during an emergency. 

A cool, dark place is ideal. Be sure not to store your food close to any
solvents or cleaners that can leak or transfer fumes, or in an area of
the house that is at risk for flooding. 

Keep your supplies together in a box or plastic bin that can be kept
tightly closed to protect contents from humidity or pests. It's also
handy to keep all your supplies together in case you have to evacuate
quickly, such as during a hurricane. In a pinch, a laundry basket can
make an easy storage container. 

If you live in an apartment or small home and are short on space, be
creative. Compact wrapping paper bins can be used to store canned food.
Risers can make more space under the bed. Many people also have unused
space behind or under the sofa. Have a dishwasher but don't use it? Make
the most of the empty space by storing your supplies there! as your
"preparedness buddy." 

Once you've assembled your stockpile, put it where you won't be tempted
to "borrow" from it the next time you run out of batteries or need beans
for a recipe. Remember: Your stockpile is for emergencies! 

How often do I need to refresh or rotate my stockpile? 

It's best to check your emergency preparedness stockpile once or twice a
year. 

When it's time to change your clocks for daylight saving time, take a
look at your emergency preparedness stockpile. Discard anything that has
expired or is leaking or damaged. If you've borrowed items from your
stockpile, make sure to replenish them. Place the newer items in the
back of your stockpile and rotate the older items to the front. You can
even use stickers to mark the dates when you added supplies to your
stockpile. 

Don't forget to check the batteries in your smoke detectors as well when
you change your clocks! 

The easiest way to tell if your foods are still usable is expiration
dates. 

Bottled water can go bad eventually, so look for the stamped date on
your water containers. Experts recommend rotating your bottled water
supply every six months. 

Sometimes canned foods don't have expiration dates or have dates that
aren't legible. So how to tell if the food is still good? According to
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, high-acid canned foods such as
tomatoes, grapefruit and pineapple can be stored for a year to 18
months. Low-acid canned foods such as meat, poultry, fish and most
vegetables will keep two to five years if stored properly. 

Beyond expiration dates, you should physically examine the contents of
your stockpile to make sure they are still fresh. Check that none of
your boxes or food containers have signs of pests or have been crushed
or have opened. On cans, look for rust, bulging, punctures, dents or
leaks. Never eat any food if its packaging or contents has come into
contact with flood water or has been in a fire. Look for leaks or
corrosion on batteries and dispose of them carefully, recycling them if
possible.

____________________________________________________

 

If you have any questions about the above, please contact the Emergency
Management Unit for assistance.

 

Respectfully,

Sgt. Brian K. Young

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

Bureau of Patrol Support - Emergency Management Unit

4213 Gibson

St. Louis, MO 63110

314.444.5804 Office

314.444.5450 Fax

bkyoung at slmpd.org Email

 

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