Maintain an emergency preparedness kit

After families take the time to set aside water, food and basic supplies in case of a natural disaster or crisis, emergency kits require a bit of light annual maintenance in order to be truly effective. Families should refresh the emergency kit at least once, but preferably twice, a year, said Gina Peek, assistant director, Oklahoma State University Extension/Family Consumer Science program leader and associate dean for Extension and Engagement in the College of Education and Human Sciences. “Maybe your family has grown or you’ve added a pet. Updating the kit once or twice a year gives you a chance to make sure each family member and pet is included in your preparations,” Peek said. “One easy way to remember to check your kit is to do so every spring and fall when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends.”

 

Christi Evans, assistant Extension specialist for food safety, says that when selecting foods for your emergency preparedness kit, choose non-perishable food items with a long shelf life. 

 

"Remember to check the expiration dates on a regular basis," Evans said. "Foods nearing expiration should be added to your current inventory to consume before they are out of date, and replace those items with at least a six-month expiration date."

 

She added that storing kits in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight will keep them safer.

 

"If the risk of flooding is a concern, the top shelf of a pantry or closet would work well," Evans said. "Consider putting foods with paper or cardboard packaging into airtight, waterproof containers. Doing so will not only protect food items from rodents and insects, but will also keep items safe from floodwater, glass, and other possible storm debris."

 

Don't Throw That Away! Explaining Expired Food Labels

 

If food items do not have an expiration date, consider U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates high-acid canned items such as tomatoes, grapefruit and pineapple can be stored for a year to 18 months for best quality. Foods with less acid such as canned meat, poultry, fish and most vegetables can last 2 to 5 years if properly stored.

 

The water stored in the kit should be replenished every 6 months. Meanwhile, clothing items should be appropriate either for the colder temperatures in the fall and winter or in the warmer weather in the spring and summer.

 

Store Your Food Properly

 

Food Preservation Methods

 

Finally, families should replace any supplies that were used or borrowed from the kit and test flashlights and weather radios to confirm they are in working order.

 

“Don’t forget to check the kit to ensure there are provisions for family members with special needs such as infants as well as any pets,” Peek said.