We are getting close to the end! Is your food storage looking so clean and organized? For today’s mini challenge we are going to look at our powerless cooking supplies because what is the point of having a food storage if you have no way to cook it, am I right?

• Gather Tools and Fuels:
  • Collect all your powerless cooking tools and fuels from various storage locations in your home so you can do a proper inventory of it all.
• Create Inventory List:
  • Document your inventory of powerless cooking tools in a spreadsheet or notebook for easy reference.
  • Inventory your supply of cooking fuels, such as propane, charcoal, wood, butane, Instafire, or other alternative fuels.
  • Don’t forget to inventory any maintenance supplies needed for your cooking tools, such as matches, lighters, or cleaning supplies.
  • Create a “wish list” to fill in any gaps that you need for your fuel supply. (View powerless cooking page for ideas of potential tools you may want to consider)
• Evaluate Your Cooking Tools and Fuels:
  • Determine which options are best suited for different cooking needs and scenarios. Do you have options for indoor cooking? If you are depending on solar cooking do you have backup options? Do you have the right type of tools for the types of foods your are storing?
• Inspect and Clean Tools:
  • Check each cooking tool for any damage or signs of wear. Repair or replace as necessary.
  • If you don’t use your cooking tools often and they are stored outside or in a garage they may be dusty or dirty. This is a good chance to wipe them off with soapy water and keep them in good condition for when the time comes that you need to use them.
• Check Expiry Dates (if applicable):
  • If using stored fuels with expiry dates, verify that they are within their usable period. Dispose of any expired fuels.
  • Review recommendations on where to safely store fuels and how much is allowable in your area. (Review this powerless cooking fuels handout for help)
• Clean Your Storage Shelves:
  • While your tools and fuels are off of the shelves, wipe them down and clear out any non-cooking items so you can keep everything in one place and nicely organized.
• Put Items Away:
  • Return the cooking tools and fuels to your storage location in a nice and orderly manner. Consider storing fuels beside the tools they will be used with if space permits.
  • Keep these tools easily accessible so you can PRACTICE cooking with them. This will give you more confidence should there come a time when you have to depend on them.

-Jodi Weiss Schroeder
http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net