Have you given much thought to keeping your food stored safely in case of an emergency? Probably not. However, food is one of the most important things to have in any survival situation, so knowing how to store it correctly is critical.

In our modern lives, we can get food easily from grocery stores, drive-thrus, or sit-down restaurants. However, in a survival situation, you’ll need a reliable stockpile of food and a sustainable food source that can last you a long time. You’ll also want to stock this food up in advance to avoid the rush of shoppers at grocery stores buying up everything in the initial moments of a survival event.

Keep in mind that food storage isn’t just about freeze-dried foods. While freeze-dried emergency foods are good to have on hand, they can get old quickly if you need to live on them for an extended period of time. For this reason, it’s essential to know how to keep fresh foods as well.

Common Problems in Food Storage Survival Situations

Eating improperly stored food can make you sick, which is especially dangerous in a survival situation where you might not have access to modern medicine. Here are some common issues:

Botulism is a bacteria that grows in low-oxygen, high-temperature environments, like poorly stored MREs or improperly handled fresh foods. It can be treated with modern medicine, but in a survival situation, it can be extremely dangerous.

Foods that need refrigeration can spoil quickly if left out, sprouting mold and rotting. Pest infestation is another concern, as improperly stored food can attract rodents, insects, and other vermin, contaminating your food supplies.

Excessive moisture can also lead to mold growth and spoilage, making food inedible. Additionally, consistent temperatures are crucial for food preservation. High temperatures can speed up spoilage, while freezing temperatures can damage certain food items.

Proper storage can significantly decrease these risks and ensure your food remains safe and edible for a long time.

How to Properly Store Your Shelf-Stable Foods

To store your food successfully, consider the following tips:

• Choose a clean room to store your food to avoid pests and ensure cleanliness.
• Keeping the storage room cool and air-conditioned will prevent bacterial growth.
• Additionally, a dehumidifier can be used to maintain a dry environment, reducing the risk of mold and spoilage.

Dealing with Pests

Many houses are susceptible to pests such as cockroaches, mice, and ants, all of which are attracted to food. To keep them out, use free-standing steel shelves to make it difficult for pests to climb. Spread diatomaceous earth around the bottom of the shelves as it’s a food-safe insect killer. Store food in airtight containers to prevent pests from accessing it. Use traps if you have persistent problems with mice.

Storage Techniques Without Power

While electricity can greatly aid in food preservation, several techniques do not require power:

Root cellars are cool, dark, and humid environments ideal for storing root vegetables, apples, and other hardy produce. Canning uses heat to seal food in jars, which can then be stored at room temperature.

Drying and dehydrating remove moisture from food to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold. Salting and smoking use salt to draw moisture from food and smoke to add flavor and additional preservation qualities.

Root Cellars and Specialized Storage Containers

A root cellar or specialized containers can help store root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets for long periods. Aim for temperatures around 32-40°F and humidity levels up to 95%.

Ensure the root cellar has good ventilation and drainage to prevent flooding and staleness. To keep vegetables organized and protected, use mesh bags, crates, bamboo storage bins, or specially designed containers.

Food Storage for When You Still Have Electricity

In some survival situations, you might still have electricity or have access to alternative power sources like solar panels or generators. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Invest in a deep freezer for long-term meat, vegetable, and fruit storage. A good freezer can keep food at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, preserving it for years if properly packaged.

Vacuum seal meats before freezing to prevent bacterial growth and freezer burn. You can also get freezer containers that protect foods from freezer damage.

Techniques to Help You Save Fresh Food Longer

Different methods can help you preserve fresh foods like fruits and other perishables for longer periods.

Canning, for example, uses mason jars and a large pot to can fruits and vegetables. Make sure you know if your foods require pressure canning or if they will be properly preserved with a boiling water bath. Also, follow tried and true recipes to make sure foods are preserved safely. Ensure everything is sealed correctly before storage.

Dehydrate fruits by slicing them thinly and heating them in an oven on the lowest setting or using a dehydrator. Use a smoker for meats, which not only preserves them but also adds great flavor. Cure meats by leaving them in a salt and sugar mixture, making them last longer.

Although costly, freeze-drying dehydrates food using pressure, preserving flavor and nutrients better than other methods. A freeze dryer is on my long-term list of things to buy.

Rotating Your Food Supplies to Prevent Spoilage

Implement a system to track and rotate your food supplies to avoid waste. Use labels and separate storage containers grouped by expiration date. Buy goods in bulk with similar expiration dates to simplify tracking.

We maintain an inventory system to track and replace used supplies regularly. We have a dry-erase board on each freezer listing what’s in it, as well as one on the refrigerator where we list what we’ve used (and, therefore, need to be replaced).

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your food storage is safe, effective, and good for the long-term.