• Learn to cook with the items you store. Be creative with your food storage. For example, use a few spoonfuls of powdered milk mixed into your spaghetti sauce. Since Parmesan cheese can’t be stored, adding milk will contribute protein to your meal; it can also be a substitute for the nutritional value that Parmesan cheese would have added.

• Store foods properly. Quality is best maintained by minimum exposure to light, heat, moisture, and air. Items stored in a basement will last longer than in a pantry or garage. Do not store food items next to soaps, perfumed paper, fuel, and other odorous or chemical-rich substances.

• Variety and nutrition are an important part of meal preparation. When selecting your food storage items, make sure you choose items that your family will eat. Find recipes that make your basic storage items taste good and store a variety of items for balanced nutrition and greater flexibility in cooking.

• Label your containers with the date you purchased them . Rotate as many items as you can by using your food storage at least twice a week. This will allow for a complete rotation of a year’s supply of food every three years; it will also help your family become accustomed to the items you have stored.

• Be sure to store a large amount of water . Every person should have a water supply of 14 gallons per two week period. Sod and juice bottles will work for water storage as well as larger food-grade plastic containers. For larger quantities, 5, 15, 30, and 55 gallon storage drums can be used. Water needs to be treated before storage. FEMA recommends a treatment of 4 drops of bleach per quart of water. Water supplies should be replenished yearly.

• Food storage is only part of emergency preparedness. Don't forget to store non-food items such as: medicines, toiletries soap, cleaning supplies, paper products, laundry detergent, and a limited amount of clothing.

• Do not go into debt for food storage. Set up a plan and a budget to acquire your food storage. Buy in bulk and buy on sale!

• Grow a garden . Growing a garden will ensure that you have fresh produce on hand. Store and rotate seeds as well. If you don't have garden space, try growing vegetables in pots.