Update Your Kit Over Time
Yay! The next step is assigning yourself homework! Everyone loves homework, and this homework is especially fun because it involves eating nonperishable foods that are close to their expiration date. Be still, my heart.
Depending on your location, you might not open your hurricane survival kit for a few years, unless you make a point of doing so. If you live near the coast, checking on your kit and updating it before each hurricane season is a great habit to make sure your food and medicines are still within their expiration dates, water is still sealed, and batteries are still fresh.
Start by checking expiration dates on shelf-stable foods, water, electrolyte drinks, gummy bears… anything you’d eat or drink. Pull out anything that’s close to expiring and get creative with your meal plan to make sure it doesn’t go to waste. Replace the food you removed with fresh stock, and check the expiration dates when they go in to make sure they’re at least a year away from expiring.
Check the expiration dates for both prescription and OTC medications. You should replace outdated OTC medication and refill any expired prescription medications. And don’t forget to test spare batteries in your kit to make sure they’re still functional. And if they’re
Setting an annual update reminder during a weekend at the start of hurricane season will have you ready for anything when the National Hurricane Center (NHC) puts you on alert. We hope all of your hurricanes get downgraded to tropical storms, but you’ll be ready either way.
Your kit is locked and loaded! What about your house?
