Keep reading for eight tips on building a sustainable emergency pantry that minimizes waste and keeps supplies fresh. Follow these suggestions to prepare for the unexpected without sacrificing your values.

Inventory Your Current Stock

Before making any purchases, inspect your cupboards. You probably already have many items suitable for an emergency food stash. Make a list of what you own, including expiration dates. This way, you avoid buying duplicates, and you’re encouraged to consume food before it expires.

Practice First-In, First-Out

Set up a rotation system for your pantry items. When adding new supplies, put them behind the older stock. This approach, known as “First-In, First-Out” (FIFO), promotes using food in the order it was bought. Regularly rotating your stock helps keep your supplies fresh and reduces the risk of items expiring. Develop the habit of using your pantry first before going to the grocery store.

Focus on Multi-Purpose Ingredients

Fill your pantry with versatile staples such as rice, beans, oats, flour, and pasta, which serve as the base for many meals. These foods are easy to store and offer flexibility. Incorporating ingredients you already use regularly helps seamlessly integrate your emergency supply into daily routines, making rotation simple and natural.

Preserve Your Own Food

Home food preservation gives you control over what goes into your food and how it’s packaged. Methods like canning, dehydrating, and freeze-drying extend the life of fresh produce and reduce food waste. If you have a garden, preserving your harvest allows you to enjoy it throughout the year. Learning the difference between a freeze dryer and a dehydrator can help you choose the best preservation method for your needs.

Choose Long-Lasting Foods You Enjoy

Your emergency pantry should contain food that you and your family genuinely enjoy eating. Storing items nobody enjoys leads to waste. Focus on shelf-stable versions of your favorite meals and snacks.

• Canned soups, vegetables, and fruits
• Dried pasta and sauces
• Nut butters and jams
• Crackers and cereals
• Dried fruits and nuts

Having familiar, comforting foods on hand makes a stressful situation a little easier to manage.

Prioritize Water Storage

Access to clean drinking water is paramount in any emergency. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a minimum of three days. You can buy commercially bottled water or store tap water in clean, food-grade containers. Water filters and purification tablets also serve as excellent backup options.

Reduce Packaging Waste

When possible, buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Items like grains, beans, and spices often come in bulk bins, allowing you to use your own reusable containers. This approach reduces plastic waste and can save you money. For items that require packaging, look for options that are recyclable or compostable.

Re-evaluate Your Pantry Annually

Set a calendar reminder to review your emergency pantry at least once a year. Check expiration dates, test your supplies, and identify any gaps in your plan. This annual check-up ensures your pantry remains ready for any situation. Following these tips for creating a sustainable emergency pantry helps you build a practical and responsible food supply.

Recommended: What Resources Are There for Public Emergency Response?

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1. Electrical Safety Risks

Large printers draw considerable amounts of power, increasing the risk of overheating or malfunctions. Faulty wiring or improperly connected equipment can lead to short circuits, which may cause electrical fires. To reduce this risk, be sure to do the following:

• Always connect printers to dedicated circuits.
• Avoid using power strips or daisy chaining extension cords.
• Regularly inspect cables for deterioration.

Additionally, training workers on how to handle equipment responsibly can prevent accidents like electrical shocks.

2. Ink and Chemical Exposure

Some large format printers use chemical-based ink, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Prolonged exposure to VOCs in improperly ventilated spaces may cause eye irritation, headaches, or respiratory problems. Prevent these hazards by taking these precautions:

• Place printers in well-ventilated areas or rooms equipped with extraction fans.
• Use protective gloves when handling ink cartridges or cleaning printer components.
• Properly dispose of used ink or cleaning materials instead of tossing them in general waste, as improper disposal can harm the environment.

3. Heavy-Lifting Injuries

Large printers are bulky machines that often require multiple people to lift or move. Incorrect lifting techniques can lead to strains, sprains, or back injuries. Here are some ways to minimize these risks:

• Use dollies or carts designed for heavy equipment to transport printers.
• Provide training on correct lifting methods.
• Store printers logically to avoid frequent relocation.

The best way to store a wide-format printer is to position it in an accessible, designated area where it’s unlikely to need shifting.

4. Paper Jamming and Mechanical Hazards

Clearing paper jams might seem straightforward, but large printers contain moving parts that can pinch or injure fingers. Take these steps to avoid mechanical hazards:

• Power down the machine before attempting to conduct maintenance.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for addressing jams.
• Wear protective gloves if working near sharp components like cutter blades.

5. Noise-Related Stress

Large printers can be incredibly noisy during operation, especially in high output environments. Extended exposure to loud machinery can cause distractions, stress, and in some cases, hearing issues. You can combat these hazards by following these tips:

• Place printers in separate rooms or soundproof areas.
• Implement workplace rotations to limit exposure time.
• Provide ear protection for employees handling heavy workloads near constant noise.

Keep Safety Front and Center

Large printers are valuable tools with common safety hazards that can endanger the workplace. Electrical risks and improper handling of heavy equipment compromise personnel and disrupt business. Therefore, a functional workspace creates a healthier work environment.

Recommended Reading: How To Show Your Employees You Value Their Safety

The post Common Workplace Safety Hazards of Large Printers appeared first on Global Good Group.

The earthquake was felt across Northern California, from Sacramento to Stockton to San Francisco. Some people reported feeling light shaking, while others said it felt like a truck had driven past their house. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

“Earthquake Detected! Drop, Cover, Hold on. Protect Yourself!” was the ShakeAlert message that got sent to millions of residents within the region. According to the USGS, seismic activity above 4.0 magnitude will trigger ShakeAlert to send warnings to the public.

The ShakeAlert system is a public early warning system that detects earthquakes and sends alerts to people in affected areas within seconds. The system uses a network of sensors to detect seismic waves and then uses algorithms to estimate the magnitude and location of the earthquake. Once an earthquake is detected, the system sends alerts to people who have opted in to receive them through a variety of channels, including mobile apps, text messages, and email.

The ShakeAlert system is still under development, but it has the potential to save lives by giving people advance warning of an impending earthquake. Even a few seconds of warning can be enough time for people to drop, cover, and hold on, or to take other safety measures to protect themselves.

The earthquake on Wednesday came just one day before the annual Great ShakeOut. This is a reminder that earthquakes can happen at any time, and that it is important to be prepared. The Great ShakeOut is an annual international earthquake preparedness drill held on the third Thursday of October. It is a simple drill for people to practice what to do during an earthquake, and to improve their preparedness. Millions of people participate in the Great ShakeOut each year, from schools and businesses to homes and communities.

Safety Measures During an Earthquake

In the event of an earthquake, it is important to take the following safety measures:

Drop, cover, and hold on. If you are indoors, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on to a sturdy object until the shaking stops. If you are outdoors, find an open area away from trees, buildings, and power lines and drop to the ground.

Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that can occur after the main earthquake. They can be just as damaging as the main earthquake, so it is important to stay alert and prepared.

Check for damage. Once the shaking has stopped, check your home or business for damage. If you see any cracks in the walls or foundation, or if there is any other damage, do not enter the building until it has been inspected by a qualified professional.

Listen to instructions from emergency officials. After an earthquake, emergency officials will be providing information and instructions to the public. Be sure to listen to their instructions and follow their advice.

Additional Safety Tips

Have an earthquake plan. Talk to your family or household members about what to do in the event of an earthquake. Decide where you will meet if you are separated and how you will communicate with each other.

Have an emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include food, water, first-aid supplies, and other essentials that you may need if you are unable to leave your home for several days.

Secure your belongings. Something that people usually overlook is to make sure that your furniture and other belongings are secured to the walls or floor so that they do not fall over during an earthquake.

Be aware of your surroundings. When you are indoors, pay attention to your surroundings and identify potential hazards, such as heavy objects that could fall on you.

By following these safety tips, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones during an earthquake.

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