Today we have Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources in our series A Month-By-Month Plan To Go From Emergency Survival to Long-Term Self-Sufficiency. Again, we will take what we did last month and add to it, improve, and expand to move closer to being self-sufficient and prepared for most anything.
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By now, you’ve laid a solid foundation for handling both short- and long-term disruptions. As you move into the fifth month, it’s time to expand your storage capabilities and increase your access to resources.
This phase focuses on ensuring that you’re ready for even longer-term scenarios where basic supplies might run low. The more you expand now, the more security and comfort you’ll have in the future. Continue to work within your means, taking each step at a pace that feels manageable, and you’ll be surprised at how much ground you can cover in just a few months.
Again, as with each month in this series, Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources will start with improving and expanding our water situation.
Water: Adding a Large Water Storage Container and Monitoring Supplies
While smaller water storage solutions like bottled water and rain collection systems are great for short-term use, long-term disruptions require larger water storage capacities.
Adding a large water storage container, such as a 55-gallon barrel or a water cistern, allows you to store enough water for weeks or even months.
These containers are designed to hold large quantities of water while maintaining safety and cleanliness. Place them in a cool, shaded area, and make sure they are BPA-free and food-grade quality to avoid contamination.
Once you have installed your larger water storage system, it is crucial to monitor your supplies. Check your stored water regularly for signs of contamination or leaks.
Make it a habit to rotate your stored water every 6-12 months if it has not been treated or is not in a long-term storage container.
If using rainwater or another source to fill these containers, always purify the water before storing it. Use chlorine or water preservatives to ensure that it remains safe for long-term use.
Avoid letting your larger water storage go unchecked. Regular monitoring keeps your supply clean and secure for when it’s needed most.
The next step in Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources will be setting up long-term food options.
Food: Dehydrating Food and Expanding Your Garden Space
Now that you have built up a stockpile of non-perishables and fresh produce from your garden, it is time to expand your food storage even further by dehydrating food. Dehydrating is a highly effective way to preserve fruits, vegetables, and even meats for long-term storage.
It reduces the moisture content in foods, which prevents the growth of bacteria and mold. Invest in a home dehydrator or use a solar dehydrator if you prefer an off-grid solution. Dried foods are lightweight, compact, and can last for years when stored properly.
In addition to dehydration, consider expanding your garden space. If you have been using containers or a small plot, now is the time to grow larger quantities of crops. Expand your garden to include more nutrient-dense foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, and legumes.
These crops store well and can provide a reliable food source if disruptions extend for months. Think about adding fruit trees or berry bushes to diversify your food sources further.
Do not rely on just one small, limited garden for long-term survival. Expanding your growing area now will give you more food security in the future.
Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources will also see planning for longer-term, social disruptions with the addition of more medical supplies and tools.
First Aid: Acquiring More Advanced Medical Tools
You have built a solid first aid kit, but for long-term disruptions, you will need more advanced medical tools. Start by acquiring a blood pressure monitor to keep track of your health, especially if you or someone in your family has underlying medical conditions. This is critical for monitoring stress, injury, or illness during a crisis when professional medical care may not be available.
Consider also adding suture kits for treating more severe wounds. While these tools require training to be used correctly, they can be lifesaving in situations where medical assistance is far away. Other advanced tools like thermometers, pulse oximeters, and stethoscopes are valuable for diagnosing illnesses and monitoring health in long-term situations.
Avoid assuming that basic first aid will be enough in a long-term emergency. The more advanced tools you have at your disposal, the better prepared you will be to handle serious medical issues.
Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources will also need to consider extending your shelter options.
Shelter: Building an Emergency Supply Room or Expanding Storage
As your supplies grow, it is time to think about building an emergency supply room or expanding your existing storage space. Dedicating a specific room or area in your home to store your food, water, medical supplies, and tools makes it easier to organize and manage your resources. This space should be well-ventilated, cool, and dry to ensure your supplies stay fresh and secure.
If you don’t have space for an entire room, consider using shelving units or storage containers to organize your supplies more efficiently. Create a system for rotating food and water, keeping the newest items in the back and the oldest in the front. Label everything clearly so that you can quickly access what you need during an emergency.
Avoid letting your supplies become disorganized or difficult to access. A well-maintained emergency supply room ensures that everything is in its place and ready to use when the time comes.
We have put together some checklists and tips pages to help you. These are general checklists and tips that you may need to tweak to fit your exact needs. Keep in mind every situation will be different so the needs may be a bit different as well. Feel free to download, print out, and use these pages for yourself.
This is a five-page Build a Proper Shed to Protect and Organize Your Tools tips and Checklist.
This is a five-page Building a Workshop tips and Checklist.
This is a five-page Keeping Equipment Healthy tips and Checklist.
Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources will also see an increase in defense, learning new skills, and practice of these new skills.
Defense: Learning and Practicing Defensive Skills
By now, you have secured your home with locks, lights, and basic deterrents. Now it is time to take your defense skills a step further by learning how to use both lethal and non-lethal weapons effectively.
Consider taking courses in firearm safety or self-defense classes to build your confidence in handling weapons. Whether it is a firearm, pepper spray, or a baton, the key is knowing how to use these tools properly to protect yourself and your family.
Once you have acquired your tools, practice regularly. Defensive skills require ongoing training to stay sharp. Set up practice drills for various scenarios, whether it is home defense, evacuation, or an encounter with an intruder. Get the whole family involved.
Make sure everyone in your family has training, knowledge in how to use the tools, and the proper time to use them, and when not to use them.
It is always important to know when you should and when you should not use a weapon.
Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference when faced with a threat. Avoid becoming complacent with your defense skills. Regular practice ensures that you are ready for anything that might come your way in a crisis.
Communication is always key in any emergency situation. In Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources you will want to learn more about different communication options.
Communication: Setting Up Emergency Channels and Learning Basic Signaling
With your communication devices in place, this month is about setting up emergency communication channels and learning how to signal for help when traditional communication systems fail.
Establish radio frequencies for your family and survival group, and designate specific times to check in during an emergency. Make sure everyone knows how to operate the radios and what protocols to follow in a crisis.
Learning basic signaling techniques is also critical for situations where communication devices may not be available or functional.
Familiarize yourself with visual signals, like SOS signals using lights, mirrors, or even flags, and practice using whistles or air horns for audible signaling.
Understanding these methods can help you communicate over long distances or in low-visibility conditions.
You should not rely solely on modern technology for communication, it could go out at any time and for how knows how long. Keep manual communication devices on hand and know how to use them. Having alternative methods ready ensures that you can reach out for help or coordinate with others, even in challenging situations.
Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources will also involve setting up plans and prepping for backup transport so you have a second means of travel if it is needed.
Transportation: Preparing a Second Evacuation Vehicle
Having a reliable vehicle is essential in any emergency, but in long-term disruptions, it’s smart to prepare a second evacuation vehicle. This could be a bike, a motorcycle, or a secondary car.
If roads become impassable or fuel is unavailable, a bike or off-road vehicle might be your best option for getting out quickly. Make sure this vehicle is in good working order, with extra fuel, spare tires, and tools stored with it.
If you are using a bicycle, ensure it is equipped with baskets or panniers to carry supplies. Practice riding it with a full load to get a feel for the weight and balance.
Having a backup transportation method ensures that you are not stranded if your primary vehicle fails or can’t be used due to road conditions.
Do not put all your trust in a single vehicle. Preparing a second, more versatile option ensures you can evacuate quickly, no matter the circumstances.
In Month 5: Expanding Storage and Resources, your preparations expand significantly as you increase your storage capacities and refine your skills. With large water storage, an expanded garden, more advanced medical tools, and improved communication and defense strategies, you are preparing for long-term disruptions with a focus on sustainability and security.
Keep moving forward, and your prepping efforts will continue to pay off in the months ahead.
If you are interested in other talks similar to this please check out the ones below.
Month 3: Increasing Comfort and Security
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