A basement is a tremendous asset for storing emergency supplies, no matter if it’s poured concrete or rock walls. But like everything else in life, there’s a right way to do it to help ensure success.
Gear that isn’t stored properly may end up damaged or destroyed. Not only does that potentially put you in danger, it’s a waste of money and resources.
Basement Considerations
Basements tend to be damp, so moisture control is crucial. A dehumidifier will go a long way in this regard. If possible, direct a drain hose from the dehumidifier to a floor drain. This way, you won’t have to go downstairs to empty it on a regular basis, something most of us would forget to do.
Basements are notorious for flooding, sometimes with no prior incidents of it happening. My father’s house had a dry basement. I spent countless hours down there as a kid playing pool and whatnot. When my dad passed away, and we started clearing out the house, we found there was a leak in the basement. Nobody knew about the leak, and it had obviously been an issue for a long time.
A sump pump will help in the event of flooding. I’d also advise picking up a moisture alarm that will alert you to any problems. This is particularly important if you don’t spend much time in your basement on a regular basis.
The other big concern in basements is vermin. This is particularly a problem if you’ll be storing any sort of food down there. Start by using rodent-resistant containers. Five-gallon buckets with secure lids work well. Heavy-duty plastic totes are also an option. Airtight seals are best.
If rodents are a problem, set out traps. I don’t recommend poison for multiple reasons. Instead, stick with old-fashioned spring traps. For serious problems, you might consider a DIY bucket trap like this one.
Basement Storage Planning
Metal shelving is typically recommended for basement use, as it is less likely to deteriorate than wood under damp conditions. However, plastic shelving is fine as well, provided you stay within the recommended load weight for the ones you purchase. The goal is to keep everything off the floor. Plus, shelving units allow for some degree of organization. As I’ve often said, if you can’t find something when you need it in an emergency, then you might as well not own it at all.
Don’t use cardboard boxes. They tend to act like sponges when moisture is present. Instead, opt for sturdy plastic totes. Don’t cheap out on these, get the best quality you can afford. Keep them small enough that you’ll be able to move them around easily. Make sure to label each one in some meaningful way.
If you’re concerned about other people snooping, you don’t need to list the contents on the label. Use some sort of code if you’d prefer. If you frequent rummage sales, you’ll sometimes find packets of blank mailing labels that would have been used with old dot matrix printers. These work well in conjunction with a marker for labeling totes and such, and they typically cost very little.
Make a point of visiting your basement storage area at least once a month. Write it on the calendar or set an alarm on your phone to remind you to do it. When you’re down there, make a point of checking for water problems as well as evidence of mice or other rodents. The sooner you’re made aware of issues, the quicker you can address them before they get worse.
One last bit of advice. Store a flashlight at the top of the stairs. If the power goes out and you need to head to the basement, it’ll help you navigate your way safely. I know some people have hung battery-powered tap lights in the basement stairwell for this purpose. That’s not a bad idea, but I still recommend keeping a flashlight available to help you search your storage for needed items.
