How to Store Class 1 Rations

Storing Class 1 rations is a basic necessity when planning for any type of emergency. According to the Department of Defense, "Class 1 rations include: packaged operational rations and packaged food. These include: nonperishable goods, combat rations, refrigerated and non-refrigerated goods, and water." They can be canned, bagged, boxed, or fresh.

Things You'll Need

• Cool and dry storage space

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Instructions

Smart and Responsible

• 1

  Choose a cool, dry storage location. Natural disasters occur periodically throughout the country. It is wise to prepare for a short period of time when you may be cut off from supplies. Putting sufficient rations aside to withstand a blizzard, hurricane, or mudslide is responsible planning to enable a family to survive when emergency assistance may be directed elsewhere.

• 2

  Manage your rations according to Federal Emergency Management guidelines.
  • Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
  • Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
  • Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
  • Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
  • Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
  • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.

• 3

  "Pack a three-day supply of food, water and other essentials, including medicine" according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommendation. "Keep them in a handy grab pack, such as unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag." When disaster strikes, you may have little time to collect the needed items.