You never know when disaster may strike. It only takes one fire, flood or disaster to lose your home or belongings. With this in mind, it is a good idea to keep a stockpile of life’s necessities. This will ensure that you and your family have what you need after chaos strikes. If you live in the Berks County area, DAK Self Storage can provide a storage space for your emergency stockpile. It is a good idea to keep your stockpile separate, but local to your home. This ensures that your supplies are nearby and not destroyed.
Food
One of the first items you want to make sure you have in your stockpile is food. Your body will need nourishment to work and solve problems after a disaster. It is a good idea to store enough food and drink to last your family at least three days. The best foods to stockpile are ones that do not spoil easily.
Whole Grain Foods – Flour based foods spoil quickly, but whole grain foods will last longer.
Nuts and Trail Mix – These last long and can give you a good amount of energy.
Granola and Power Bars – These are a good source of carbohydrates that help you feel full. These usually last about 6 months.
Cereal – In high stress situations, long-lasting comfort food can help you stay calm.
Canned Fruits and Vegetables – When you can’t have fresh fruit and vegetables, canned ones provide you with the nutrients you need.
Canned Meat – Lasting about two years, various canned meats can offer you the protein your body needs.
Canned Soup – Last long, can be eaten straight from the can and provide extra nutrients.
Multivitamins – Can help make up for lost nutrients.
Propane or Charcoal Stove – This will allow you to cook certain foods. You may also want to store sugar, spices, and seasoning to enhance the flavor.
You may also want to consider renting a temperature-controlled unit from DAK Self Storage.
Drinks
Just like you need food for energy, you will need drinks to keep you hydrated. Water should be the first drink you think about. Each person will need about a gallon per day. You should fill water bottles or jugs and make sure the lids are on tightly. It is also a good idea to clearly label each container “drinking water.” This will ensure that you do not mix it with water for washing. You should replace this stock every six months. You may also want to include sports drink or powdered milk to add variety. Sports drinks can provide electrolytes while powdered milk can give you a source of calcium and vitamin D.
Medical
With disaster, comes potential for injuries. You will want to be prepared for various medical emergencies that may occur. Here are some good ideas of items to keep in your emergency medical stock.
Bandages, Gauzes, and Bandage Tape – Protect open wounds.
Sanitary Wipes or Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer – For cleaning and sanitizing.
Non Latex Gloves – To help prevent the transfer of bacteria through touch.
Antibacterial Ointment – To prevent bacterial infections.
Small Scissors – For cutting gauzes and bandage tape.
Tweezers – For removing small objects that penetrate the skin.
CPR Breathing Barrier – Protects rescuer while performing CPR.
Prescription and Nonprescription Medicine – Store any extra daily prescription medicine. Also store over-the-counter medicine, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids, laxatives, etc.
Keeping Clean
Be sure to store extra items for bathing and grooming. By keeping everyone clean you can help prevent the spread of disease. Store and label extra water for bathing and bring any other grooming products you may need. These may include, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair brushes, face wipes, moist Towelettes, etc. You will also want to store some spare pairs of clothing to change into. This can help you stay comfortable if your normal clothing gets wet or dirty. If you have children, be sure to update sizes regularly. Don’t forget to store diapers for young children.
Other Necessities
You will also want to have tools available for light, warmth, building, etc. Having the following items can help you successfully get through various types of emergencies. If you forget to bring storage supplies, DAK Self Storage’s on-site store offers an array of products to protect and preserve your items.
Light and Warmth – Store flashlights or candles for light and supplies to build a fire if necessary.
Fire Extinguisher – If you build a fire, you need a way to put it out.
Radio, Clock, and Calandar – To stay updated on news and time.
Paper and Pencil – To take notes.
Tools – Knives, hammers, or other tools needed for building.
Dishes – Store some spare dishes for eating and drinking.
Garbage Bags – To keep litter out of the area.
Pet Supplies – If you have a pet, don’t forget to store extra food, drinks, leashes and supplies for them.
Sewing Kit – For patching up clothing.
Blankets and Sleeping Bags – To sleep on if necessary.
Tent – To sleep in if necessary.
Duct Tape, Rope, and Scissors – Can be used for various fixes.
Maps and Compass – For navigation.
Charging and Battery Supplies – To keep your devices and supplies running.
Personal Items
Personal items can help you feel more comfortable while navigating through tough situations. If you have glasses, hearing aids, or other aids, it is a good idea to keep spares for emergencies. For children, you may want to store some toys or games to keep them preoccupied. Storing copies of important documents can be a good backup if a fire destroys the originals. If you have cherished family photos, you may want to store copies of them as well. If you have an old spare computer, you can store documents and photos on it to keep it a bit safer than paper copies.
DAK Self Storage in Leesport, recommends that you inspect your emergency stock pile regularly. This will ensure the quality of your supplies. We offer competitive rates for quality units to keep your emergency supplies safe. To view available units and rates, follow this link: https://ecom.quikstor.com/dakselfstorage/index.aspx?Action=rent