You might be thinking about storing your survival gear somewhere safe for winter. Or you could be in the process of moving and need to keep it somewhere for the time being. Either way, it’s important that you take the proper precautions. Long-term storage can affect your gear if you’re not careful.
From avoiding moisture and sunlight to considering pest defense, here’s how to keep your emergency gear safe in long-term storage.
Always Keep Your Survival Gear Accessible
First and foremost, it’s essential to always keep your gear somewhere you can easily access it. Hard-to-reach gear is not ideal during an emergency. You don’t want to dig through boxes in the attic. And you don’t want to have to drive to a storage center.
As a rule of thumb, your gear should be accessible in under an hour. But the faster, the better. As a solution, you might choose a dedicated closet or shelf for preparedness gear. Or, at the very least, have a plan and path to access your supplies in storage. That way, you can quickly react to any situation.
Find a Place Away From Moisture and Sunlight
Moisture and sunlight can be some of the most damaging factors to your gear. Water can negatively affect generators, flashlights, chargers, and survival food.
So, check any storage location for exposure to natural elements. Check the ceiling for leaks or cracks that might let in melting snow or rain. Keep nearby pipes in good condition. And consider covering windows with blackout curtains. In a dark, dry space, your gear has the best chance of staying in top condition.
Develop a Regular Check-Up Schedule
Even in proper storage, you can’t forget about your survival gear entirely. You need to maintain a regular check-in schedule.
Every month or so, do a run-down of your most important gear. Make sure your solar generators are working correctly. Recharge your portable cell phone chargers. Check food packets for tears. Clean any dust or debris that has accumulated. If you do this regularly, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your gear is ready at a moment’s notice.
Keep Food Protected
Survival food is a vital part of any preparedness plan. And in long-term storage, you have to keep your food supply safe.
Food is susceptible to moisture damage. It can attract pests. If not stored properly, it can even expire. Consider storing your emergency supply food in water-tight plastic totes. Also, look for emergency food packed in disaster-proof pouches. These lines of defense keep out anything that might damage the food in long-term storage.
Don’t Stack Too High or Too Heavy
Depending on your space, you might have to stack some of your gear. If you do this, there are a few tips you should follow.
First, stack from heaviest to lightest. Heavy gear at the base of a stack makes it stable and can hold up to the pressure. Second, don’t stack anything too high. If it’s too tall, your stack might lean or fall over. So keep your gear as close to the ground as possible and build any stacks with safety in mind.
With these tips, you can build long-term storage solutions that give you confidence.
About 4Patriots
To outlast a disaster, you have to keep your family safe. Survival gear from 4Patriots is the best way to do just that. 4Patriots started as an idea at their founders’ kitchen table in Tennessee. Now, they’re celebrating 15 years of keeping Americans safe. With 4Patriots by your side, you can be ready for anything. Their solar generator collection provides power during a blackout. Emergency food kits keep your family fed in any situation. They even offer a kit to keep in your car for on-the-road emergencies. 4Patriots thought of everything so you can focus on staying safe. Plus, with great holiday deals running, you can give your loved ones the gift of preparedness. No matter when, no matter where, 4Patriots gives you and your family peace of mind.
When you’re ready to build up your storage of survival essentials, visit https://4patriots.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/3uMGKOI
