How Often Should I Check or Refresh My Kit?

Purchasing your kit is the first step, keeping it ready is the habit that makes it actually useful. The good news is that maintaining your kit doesn't take much time at all once you have a simple routine in place.

A schedule that works for most families:

Every 6 months is the standard recommendation for a full kit check. A great trick is to tie it to the two times a year you already change your smoke detector batteries, when the clocks spring forward and fall back. It takes about 20 minutes and keeps everything current.

What to check every 6 months:

• Food and water expiration dates
• Medications, both prescription and over the counter
• Batteries in flashlights, radios, and any other devices
• First aid supplies, replace anything used or expired
• Clothing and shoes if you've included them, sizes change, especially for kids

Update your kit immediately when:

• A family member's prescription changes
• You have a new baby or add a pet to the household
• Someone develops a new medical condition or dietary need
• Your household size changes for any reason

One easy habit:

When you rotate food from your kit, replace it right away rather than waiting for your 6-month check. Treat it like a pantry, first in, first out.
A well-maintained kit takes almost no effort once the routine is set. The hardest part is remembering to start and you've already done that.

Ready to start with a kit that's easy to maintain?

Gear Up Survival Kits are pre-packed and organized so your 6-month check is simple and stress-free. Everything has its place so you always know exactly what to look for.

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Because a kit you maintain is a kit you can count on.