A SHTF event can be a stressful time so the last thing you want to worry about is whether your lifeline (cash, ammo, food, etc.) can be easily found and stolen by potential looters. By keeping survival items in cache containers away from your home, you'll increase your chances of survival and always have a Plan B. You can leave the cache containers for extended periods of time so that when an unexpected crisis hits, the containers will be there waiting.

Choosing cache containers

As a general rule, cache containers should withstand the following:

• Moisture
• Temperature extremes
• Rodents and insects
• The elements affecting your region

You should expect to retrieve your cache after 6 months or more. It’s a long-term investment and you shouldn’t touch those supplies unless you desperately need them.

Plastic food storage buckets

These buckets are inexpensive and durable. Besides being waterproof they are readily available and you can find good deals at various stores. I have a friend that gets them for free from the local restaurants. Make sure those buckets didn’t previously held dangerous chemicals or toxic materials. Stick with the ones that were used to store food. Top them with airtight lids or resalable Gamma lids.

Steel ammo cans

These cans are ideal cache containers because they are extremely strong, airtight and watertight. If you plan to use these as cache containers, make sure you check the web. I’ve seen great deals on Facebook groups.

Keep in mind that long exposure in wet condition may damage the cans. Corrosion becomes the main problem and some people decide to spray paint them using hydrophobic sealants.

Plastic ammo cases

These are somewhat similar to the steel cans but nowhere near as sturdy or durable. These cache containers are lightweight and won’t rust when exposed to damp conditions. Make sure you put the contents in a Mylar bag before sealing the cases.

Pay attention to how you handle these cases as they won’t stand up to much abuse.

PVC Pipes

These are some of my favorite cache containers because they are highly effective and practical. At the end of the article I will let you know how to make a quick PVC survival cache.

Mylar Bags

Preppers prefer the ones with more layers (more aluminum foil) since they are stronger than the regular ones. They are used to store just about anything that needs protection from moisture, light and oxygen.

If you plan to store food in your Mylar bags, make sure you also add an oxygen absorber or two before sealing the bags. Keep in mind they are not puncture proof.

Making cache containers from PVC Pipe

• PVC pipe cleaner and cement
• A two-foot section of 4” diameter PVC pipe
• 4” diameter PVC pipe cap
• A pipe threaded clean-out plug, 4” in diameter

Pre-assemble all pieces to make sure they fit as intended before leaving the store.

At home, lightly sand and wipe clean inside the PVC surfaces to be joined. Use the PVC cleaner and apply a thin coating using a piece of cloth. Allow to dry for a few minutes. Next, apply PVC cement following the directions on the label. Join individual pieces together one at a time. Avoid applying PVC cement to the threads of the clean-out plug. Set your PVC cache container aside to dry.

Optionally, you can use a spray paint as desired to paint the PVC cache container.

What do you use for cache containers? Have you made your own from PVC pipes?

Article & Photo Source: Prepper's Will