Simple, Smart Emergency Storage: How to Prepare Water & Food That Lasts
When it comes to emergency preparedness, the best plans are often the simplest. You don’t need to be a survival expert or spend thousands of dollars — just a little organization and common sense can give you peace of mind for months or even years.
Start with Water — Your #1 Priority
Clean water is essential for survival, comfort, and confidence during any emergency.
Here’s how to get started:
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Store enough for 72 hours. Keep a minimum of three days’ worth of drinking water for everyone in your household.
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Rotate once a year. Refresh your supply annually to ensure freshness and safety.
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Plan a backup. Have a secondary source such as a rain barrel, nearby stream, or collected water — and make sure you have a simple filtration or purification method ready to use.
When an emergency lasts longer than a few days, your water plan becomes your lifeline.
Store Everyday Food for Emergencies
Once water is handled, focus on food that’s ready to eat, familiar, and easy to rotate.
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Begin with 72 hours. Store enough non-perishable food for at least three days.
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Choose what your family actually eats. Familiar foods keep morale up and reduce waste.
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Rotate regularly. Replace older items once a year or as part of your normal shopping routine.
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Plan for 30 days. Many preparedness experts recommend building toward a one-month food reserve for true peace of mind.
Keep It Simple and Sustainable
Sharon Astyk, author of Independence Days: A Guide to Sustainable Food Storage and Preservation, reminds us that food storage isn’t about buying mystery rations you’ll never eat — it’s about keeping extra quantities of what you already enjoy.
Start small and grow your reserve over time. Even on a budget, you can build meaningful security by adding a few extra shelf-stable items each grocery trip.
Here’s a practical starter list for one person that requires no cooking:
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Rolled oats or instant oatmeal
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Canned beans, vegetables, and fruit
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Canned meat or fish
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Nut butters or mixed nuts
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Dried fruit or trail mix
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Crackers or grains
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Cooking oil, salt, and seasonings
If you have a way to cook or heat water, expand your options with dried soups, broth mixes, or dehydrated vegetables. Small comforts go a long way in stressful times.
Smart Storage, Made Easy
A GOBOX is a great way to keep your emergency food and water supply organized and secure. Store your essentials in a weather-protected, portable box right on your property — or keep it safely in our facility for longer-term storage. When you need it, it’s ready.
GO BOX Emergency Tip:
Start small. Stay steady. Store what you eat.
Preparedness isn’t about panic — it’s about peace of mind and knowing your household is ready for anything.