TIPS FOR BUILDING A SURVIVAL CACHE

Today, I want to talk about something that seems like common sense, but within it, there are a lot of things we overlook.

Also known as caching, this component of preparedness is just as important as having the right supplies.

Your cache needs to be accessible. It needs to be safe and secure. And it needs to be properly planned and mapped out.

Perfecting your caching plan makes a great project for summer.

Most of us who are dedicated to getting prepared have already made a start on obtaining our survival food supplies, but where should we put them?

Storage is a critical component of preparedness too.

While it's simpler to keep all your emergency supplies in one place, they have to be accessible when disaster strikes. Having survival food in your closet or under the bed won't do you any good if you can't get to it.

Building your cache in the summertime is a great idea because chances are you'll have the most favorable weather. However, you'll need to plan for bad weather too, as you'll see below.

But first...

Where will you and your family wait out the emergency? Organize your emergency food and supplies caches accordingly. For example, if your retreat will be an outbuilding or other remote location, make sure to store supplies nearby. Be sure to thoroughly scout your location to ensure it is safe at all times, or to identify any potential threats to the location.

If you're planning to stay at home or shelter in place, make sure you have enough to outlast a long-term situation. It's also a good idea to have a Plan B cache in the case you need to evacuate your home.

Choose weatherproof containers with your climate in mind. If you have lots of rain, for instance, don't use a metal storage locker that will rust. Heavy-duty plastic rain barrels with lids work well as buried cache containers. Emergency food supplies packed in stackable plastic totes are suitable for long-term caching too. Keep in mind that small creatures like mice can contaminate poorly stored supplies. Adding extra layers of "critter protection" like duct tape or heavy-duty plastic wrap is a great idea.

If you've ever misplaced something, you know the value of keeping detailed records. Map out the locations of your supplies so you can find them even years in the future. Mark your locations on a map or GPS device (that can be accessed without cell service), but avoid conspicuous markings around your cache location. This could lead people who want to poach your supply right to it.

Tell family members, too, so they can help locate your caches when needed. But only tell people you absolutely trust.

Dividing up your survival supplies into several caches helps keep intruders from wiping out everything all at once.

Also, take into account that canned and packaged foods from the grocery store do have a shelf life. And it's not as long as you might think. Non-perishable groceries won't stay fresh nearly as long as dehydrated and freeze-dried foods, which can last as long as 25 years.

So do your homework, and choose your food stash with longevity in mind. One popular choice for dedicated preparedness experts is the #10 can. You get up to 25 years shelf life in a durable, sturdy can - and they can feed an army.

Finally, your emergency food supplies and survival items are only as useful as they are accessible.

Make sure that you are able to retrieve them in a crisis by caching your supplies near your emergency retreat or en route. It's a great idea to have several small caches along the way, especially if it's necessary to make multiple trips - you won't expose your entire stash all at once.

If you're staying at home, spread your cache in different places on your property. That way, if something becomes inaccessible, you still have other caches you can get to.

Ultimately, your storage plan needs to be customized to your individual and family needs. If you need help with that, our preparedness experts are standing by - call 866.229.0927 with any questions.

Otherwise, have a great weekend - and stay safe out there - friends!

In Liberty,

Grant Miller
Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply