Having an outdated emergency kit with expired items in it is just like having no emergency kit at all.  It will honestly do you no good if you cannot use the contents within to keep you alive in times of disaster.  It is recommended that you go through and update your kits every six months so that if something does expire or go bad, you can swap it out for something fresh and new.

Here are some things that should be replaced about every six months.

  • Your water supply – The Red Cross and The Center For Disease Control recommend you replace your water every six months due to water born bacteria that can develop
  • Batteries – Most of the time, batteries will last longer than six months, however, it is wise to just replace them so that they don’t expire on you without you knowing
  • First Aid Kits – Many things within your first aid kit will last forever, but things like aspirin, antiseptic, and other items expire and need to be replaced
  • Any food that doesn’t have a long shelf life
  • Any articles of clothing that you have grown out of

Here are some other things that need replacing at one time or another.

  • Hand and body warmers
  • Matches
  • Sunscreen

It is vital to you and your family members survival that you replace these items in your 72 hour survival kits and any others that might need to be replaced.  Put a reminder on your calendar to go through your kits every six months so you don’t forget.  Doing so will keep your family safe and give you a greater peace of mind.

Related Posts