CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTAINERS

If you are using plastic containers for storage, consider using something like a Foodsaver system to further protect crucial items inside the container. On a tight budget? Metal ammo cans are a good choice for waterproof containers. Ensure the seams and gasket are intact and the lid clamps tightly. You should feel some resistance when you close the lid. Consider putting crucial items in Ziploc kitchen-size or closet-size bags. Food-grade, airtight, waterproof plastic buckets can be purchased from stores such as Lehman’s, where a 4-gallon bucket is about $10. Pelican is well known for their airtight, waterproof, rugged and impact-resistant cases that are made in numerous sizes and styles, but they can be expensive.

Left: Consider purchasing airtight, waterproof containers. Plastic buckets with tight-fitting lids, metal ammo cans and Pelican cases offer many size, shape and capacity options and prices for most any budget. Photos by Suzy Jeffries and Jim Jeffries.

Right: This survival cache includes crucial, high-value items, firearms and ammo so it needs to be stored in tough lockable Pelican cases. Photos by Suzy Jeffries and Jim Jeffries.