First In First Out (FIFO)

In general, FIFO means that the items acquired or stored first should be used or consumed first. It ensures that older supplies are used before newer ones, maintaining freshness and preventing waste.

Application in Prepping:

• Food Storage: Preppers apply FIFO to their food stockpiles. They consume the oldest canned goods, dried foods, and other provisions first.
• Medications: Preppers rotate their medical supplies, using the oldest medications or first aid items before opening new ones.
• Water: Water storage containers are filled and used in chronological order to prevent stagnation.
• Fuel: Preppers use stored fuel (such as gasoline or propane) based on the purchase date.

Benefits of FIFO:

• Minimizes Waste: By using older supplies first, preppers avoid expiration or spoilage.
• Maintains Readiness: Regular rotation ensures that supplies remain usable and effective.
• Cost-Effective: FIFO prevents unnecessary overstocking and saves money.

Practical Examples:

• If a prepper has a stockpile of canned goods, they will consume the cans with the earliest expiration dates first.
• When using water stored in containers, they will use the oldest containers before opening new ones.
• For fuel storage, they will use the oldest fuel reserves for generators or vehicles.