“We encourage [you] to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise… [and] do not go to extremes... With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.” (See All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage).
There are three main components of food storage:
- Short term supply
- Long term supply
- Water Supply
It is important to remember that you should not go to extremes when establishing your food storage. For example, it is not wise to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. Develop it gradually so that it will not become a financial burden. Learn more about food storage.
Short Term Supply
To build a three-month food supply, begin by storing enough food to feed your family for one day. Store food that is part of your normal diet. Multiply that amount of food by 7 to build a one-week supply. Once you have a week’s supply, you can gradually expand it to a month, and eventually to three months. Rotate these items regularly to avoid spoilage. You should also have a short-term supply of medications, hygiene items, and any other necessities for your family.
Long Term Supply
Where permitted, gradually build a one-year supply of food that can last for a long period of time. Focus on foods such as wheat, rice, pasta, oats, beans, and potatoes that can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. Learn more about a long-term food supply.
Drinking Water
Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted. If water comes from a good pretreated source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage resistant container. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soda. Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Learn more about drinking water.