Your Spring Cleaning Prepper Checklist

The pandemic of 2020 and the recent winter storms in 2021 caused hardships for millions of Americans. As such, the coming of spring will be highly welcomed. We all could use some spring cleaning, and preppers are certainly no different. Spring is the perfect time to assess, update and possibly add to your emergency supply. Here are five ideas to get you started on your spring cleaning - prepper style! 

Water Storage

Winter 2021 was a challenging time for people in states like Texas, where frozen pipes led to flooded homes and days - perhaps weeks without running water. With this in mind, checking our water supply now that the temperatures are finally warming up is a great idea. 

Many consumers might not even realize that water does have an expiration date. Water that is stored in sealed containers can last indefinitely as long as using it for bathing and cooking purposes. However, water that is expiring shouldn’t be consumed for drinking purposes. Agencies like the Red Cross and FEMA recommend that water intended for drinking be replaced every six to twelve months.  

Food Rotation

Preppers know that food rotation is highly important. Some of us are savvy enough to incorporate rotating food as a part of weekly meal planning. However, rotating food should be done at least twice a year, and as spring is starting is a perfect time to do so. 

Check all the expiration dates and move old food to the front of your prepper pantry and be sure to throw out old food past these dates. As you are doing this, make a list of everything that needs to be replaced. A fun family activity is to plan a “food storage dinner” where you can use up items that are about to expire before the date on the packaging. 

First Aid Supplies

Of course, first aid items like bacitracin, isopropyl alcohol, and ibuprofen all have expiration dates, too! Spring is the ideal time to check the status of these items as well. Throw out expired first aid items, paying close attention to any items you may have added to bug-out bags. Be sure to add the essential first aid supplies to your list of emergency items that need replacing. 

Verify Important Documents

Spring is also a perfect time to ensure all of your important documents are updated and in the right place. This can include immunization records, passports, driver’s license or ID cars, prescriptions, insurance documents, and so on. Spring cleaning is also a good time to update any personal items that might need it - such as emergency clothing the kids may have outgrown, and extra pairs of glasses for which prescriptions have expired.

Home Safety Check

Vacuuming out dryer filters and cleaning gutters are all part of seasonal cleaning, but now is the perfect time to ensure that safety items are up to date as well. Test the batteries in all flashlights, check the functionality of smoke alarms, and check fire extinguishers. While fire extinguishers can last up to fifteen years if properly maintained, regularly inspecting them is crucial. Check the pressure gauge on the extinguisher - if it’s green, it should be good, but red indicators need to be replaced. Some newer extinguishers can be recharged, but be sure to consult the owner’s manual before doing so to avoid accidents. 

Emergency Food Supply from More Prepared

Rotating your food and checking the expiration dates of drinking water are integral parts of maintaining your emergency food supply. However, doing so is a chore. With emergency food supply products from More Prepared, our food buckets have a shelf life of up to 25 years, giving you peace of mind in uncertain times.