Chapter 2 · Your emergency kit
2.16 Rotation and maintenance
A kit with old water, dead batteries, and expired medications gives false security. Ready.gov asks you to replace expired items and reassess your needs every year. This guide proposes checking twice a year, when the clocks change (second Sunday in March and first Sunday in November).
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every month | Test smoke and CO detectors. Charge power banks and the power station if you have one. Check that the car's tank doesn't drop below half. |
| Every 6 months (clock change) | Replace the water you bottled yourself. Check food and medication dates: what expires in the next 6 months goes to the kitchen to be used, and replace it. Test flashlights and radio. Check seasonal clothing in the bags (March: light clothing, sunscreen; November: warm hat, gloves, thermal layer). Check the car kit (water and bars are damaged by heat). |
| Before summer (May) | Fans, electrolytes, extra water, heat plan (chapter 10). Check whether your state has a tax-free weekend for preparedness purchases. |
| Before winter (November) | Sleeping bags, thermal clothing, pipe protection, winter storm plan (chapter 14). |
| Every year | Update documents and digital backup, family plan, medication list, pet photos. Check the complete first-aid kit. Replace the bleach according to the date on the container (it loses strength over time). Reassess needs (new household member, pet, medical condition). |
| After using the kit | Replace everything you used within the same week. |
- First in, first out. Put the new items in back and the oldest in front.
- Write the date with a thick marker on each can, water jug, and container.
- Integrate the pantry into your kitchen: eat what is about to expire and replace it in your regular shopping. That way nothing is thrown away.
- Batteries: store them outside the devices (or with an insulating strip) to avoid leaks; check dates.
- Put the check on the calendar of every adult's phone, with an alarm.
