Keep your Kits Fresh

From the WebMD site here are a list of goods that should be changed out or used with in a certain time frame. Always keep rotating your items so you don't waste, and keep yourself healthy should the need arise.

A good method of keeping track of times is to check your list at the same time as you change your smoke alarm batteries. It's good practice to change the batteries in your smoke alarm when you change your clocks.

Keep Kits Fresh

Make sure you store your kits in airtight, easy-to-carry containers, and in places that are accessible and that will not likely be affected by disasters. For instance, if you live in a tornado zone, it would be inconvenient for your emergency kit to be on the second floor of your home while you and your family are in the basement.
To keep the items in the kits in good condition, store them in cool, dry places that are not exposed to varied conditions. Also, update your kit every six months. The needs of your family change, and items such as food, water, and batteries can become stale. It's a good idea to write the date of storage on each item.
"The reason to keep your kit fresh is it enables your family to survive longer," explains Hudgins. "Foods that you just refreshed six months ago have a longer shelf life."
The Red Cross offers the following guidelines for food storage:
Use within six months:

• Water
• Powdered milk (boxed)
• Dried fruit (in metal container)
• Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)
• Potatoes

Use within one year:

• Canned, condensed meat and vegetable soups
• Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables
• Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Hard candy and canned nuts
• Vitamin C

May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

• Wheat
• Vegetable oils
• Dried corn
• Baking powder
• Soybeans
• Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa
• Salt
• Noncarbonated soft drinks
• White rice
• Bouillon products
• Dry pasta
• Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans).