SHTF scenarios can arise anytime, so you must be ready when the moment strikes. Preparedness means you can easily access your food and supplies when it’s time to bug out or shelter in place.
So where should you store your supplies? Where can your food remain idle and not be disturbed? Here are seven ideas for safe storage spaces.
1. Vehicle
Some SHTF scenarios leave little time to prepare or bug out. For example, a thunderstorm could spawn an EF5 tornado and wipe away your entire property in hours or even minutes. In this situation, you need to access your vehicle quickly and rapidly escape. Luckily, your bug-out vehicle can store survivalist supplies and be ready anytime.
Your vehicle is an excellent place to store supplies, but you should be wary of the weight. Every 100 pounds added to your car reduces fuel economy by about 2%, so stick to the essentials like food, water and first-aid kits. Store these items in airtight containers to prevent bug and rodent infestations.
2. Trailer
If your car has towing abilities, a trailer is even better for storing supplies. You might not have room in the bug-out vehicle for your family and your supplies, so trailers give you ample storage space. Trailers get the job done because they’re durable, typically containing steel or aluminum on the exterior. Even cunning thieves will have difficulty breaking into your trailer if they come across it.
When getting a trailer, you’ll need to judge how big of a unit you’ll need. Most survivalists can get away with confined cargo trailers for a week’s worth of bugging out. Smaller trailers may be advantageous because they’re easier for your bug-out vehicle to haul on narrow back roads.
3. Office
Sometimes, you need to be creative when finding storage spots. Your home and vehicle provide suitable storage for your supplies, but what about your office at work? You may only be able to keep a few things here, but having some canned food, water bottles, a flashlight and a first-aid kit could save your life in a nasty situation.
Imagine you’re in the office one day when you hear a terrible storm is coming your way. You can’t head home because that’s where the storm is currently. Your options are grabbing your supplies and bugging out or remaining in the office. Regardless of your choice, you have some supplies at your desk for this scenario. Something is better than nothing in this situation.
4. Attic
Storing supplies in the house is a good idea, but space can become tight if your equipment overflows into your living areas. Consider putting your supplies in the attic if you want to save space. This area is spacious and typically unused other than storage, so it makes perfect sense to put stuff up here.
The primary downside to attics is the temperature. In the summer, your attic can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit without proper ventilation. You may need to create ventilation in your attic by adding ridge vents or soffit vents, allowing fresh air to enter the room. Even fans will help with the circulation.
5. Basement
Another solid storage option in your house is the basement. This lowermost level of your home is ideal for SHTF scenarios like tornadoes because it’s underground. Keep a steady supply of food and tools here for easy access any time of year.
Basements can be a liability if your area is prone to flooding. If this is the case, install shelves to keep your supplies above ground and minimize water damage. These shelves or racks give you time to rescue your supplies before floodwaters ruin them.
Your house may need inspection before storing supplies in the basement, so check your foundation for cracks and other structural damage.
6. Garage
If you store supplies at home, the garage may be your best bet for safekeeping. This area of your house is secured with locks and is challenging to break into without alerting homeowners, neighbors and alarm systems.
While garages are typically safe, savvy criminals can quietly enter if they’re stealthy enough. A secure garage door is essential to thwart even the most competent thieves. Garage security is best if you have a roller door because this mechanism shows no signs of easy entry for intruders.
If that’s not enough, adding more locks or bolts can make your garage door even safer. Extra security is terrific, but the garage is also an especially convenient to quickly load supplies into your bug-out vehicle and hit the road if you keep your cars parked in it. So you should ensure that the extra security doesn’t impede opening and closing the door quickly during your getaway.
Keep your garage cool and dry to extend the life of your food and water.
7. Storage Unit
If you don’t have a garage at home, a storage unit is another solid option. You may have to drive a little while to get to this facility, but they could be the most advantageous spot for storage.
Most units are climate controlled with air conditioning and low humidity, so you don’t have to worry about food spoiling. Additionally, self-storage companies have 24/7 surveillance to capture footage of thieves if they decide to break in. Not all facilities have proper maintenance, so read reviews and take suggestions from trusted friends.
Your belongings are safe in self-storage facilities, but intruders could sneak into your unit without your knowledge. For insurance purposes, take pictures of your unit to record your belongings. Most facilities allow you to bring a lock, so choose a strong one that thieves can’t break with bolt cutters.
Securing You Survivalist Supplies
Every minute matters when SHTF scenarios arise. Having an emergency plan ready to execute immediately is essential for you and your family. Part of this strategy is knowing where your supplies are, so use these seven ideas for safely storing your belongings.
