Do Batteries Expire? How to Store Them for an Outage
Batteries do expire, but slowly. Here is what the makers claim for shelf life, how to store spares, and what Ready.gov and the EPA say about keeping them safe.
10 min read
Fireproof Document Bag vs Home Safe: Which One Actually Protects Your Papers?
A fireproof document bag is cheap and portable but built for brief heat. A UL-classified safe is rated for a set time and temperature. Here is how to choose, with a free printable for what goes in the bag and where your other copies live.
17 min read
How Long Does Gasoline Last? How to Store Fuel for Emergencies
How long gasoline lasts according to the U.S. Department of Energy, where fire and safety agencies say to keep fuel at home, and what no federal page tells you about diesel, kerosene and propane.
9 min read
4 Reasons You Need Stormproof Matches
Stormproof matches light in rain and wind and keep burning when a regular match or a cold lighter would quit.
7 min read
Do Propane Generators Work In Cold Weather?
Propane generators handle cold well, but vaporization and regulator issues can slow one down long before it actually quits. Here is what helps and what to skip.
7 min read
Do Emergency Blankets Expire? Waterproofing and Storage
Emergency blankets expire in 1 to 2 years if stored right. Here's everything else worth knowing too, from waterproofing to why the silver coating works.
9 min read