Used Containers for Emergency & Disaster-Prep Storage

When a storm, flood or power cut hits, the supplies you prepared are only useful if they're dry, safe and easy to reach. A steel shipping container makes a tough, secure store for emergency supplies, for families, farms, businesses and community groups.

Here's how to set up a container for emergency and disaster-prep storage, what to put in it and what to watch out for. Looking to buy used shipping containers near me for emergency storage? Start with the grades and sizes, then come back here to plan the setup.

Why a container suits emergency storage

• Weatherproof: keeps supplies dry
• Secure: lockable steel doors
• Pest-resistant: far better than a wooden shed
• Fire-resistant walls: steel doesn't burn
• Durable: stays sound for years with little upkeep
• Ready quickly: delivered complete

An important safety note

A shipping container is storage, not a storm shelter. Unmodified containers aren't designed or approved to protect people from tornadoes or hurricanes, and they can be moved by strong winds or floodwater. Follow official guidance on where to shelter.

What to store

Water and food

• Bottled water or water storage containers
• Shelf-stable food, with a rotation system so nothing expires
• A manual can opener and basic cooking supplies

Power and light

• Generators and fuel, stored according to safety rules
• Flashlights, lanterns and batteries
• Solar chargers and power banks

Tools and equipment

• Chainsaws, shovels, tarps and rope
• Plywood and fasteners for boarding windows
• Pumps and hoses

Medical and hygiene

• First-aid kits and medications (with attention to storage temperatures)
• Hygiene supplies and sanitation items

Comfort and shelter

• Blankets, sleeping bags and spare clothing
• Tents and camping gear

Placement for emergencies

• High ground: away from flood zones, low spots and drainage paths
• Away from trees that could fall in high winds
• Accessible: close enough to reach in bad weather, with a clear path
• Level and raised: on blocks or a gravel pad, off wet ground
• Doors facing away from prevailing wind

Wind and flood considerations

• In high-wind areas, ask about anchoring the container to the ground
• In flood-prone areas, choose the highest available spot, and store critical supplies on upper shelves
• Never rely on a container to stay put in a major flood

Temperature-sensitive supplies

Containers get hot in summer and cold in winter. For medications, batteries, some foods and electronics:

• Consider an insulated container
• Add vents and keep supplies off the floor
• Rotate stock regularly

Organizing for fast access

• Shelving with labeled bins by category
• Most-needed items near the doors: water, lights, first aid
• A printed inventory on the inside of the door, with expiry dates
• Lighting inside, battery or solar

Security

• A lock box and high-security padlock
• Keys or codes shared with trusted family or team members
• A discreet location if possible

Choosing a container

• Size: a 10ft or 20ft for most households; a 40ft for farms, businesses and community groups
• Grade: a used wind and watertight container is ideal and affordable
• Insulated: for temperature-sensitive supplies

A yearly emergency-storage routine

• Check expiry dates on food, water, medicines and batteries
• Test generators, flashlights and radios
• Replace used supplies after any emergency
• Check the container: roof, seals, locks and vents
• Update the inventory on the door
• Share access details with the right people

Community and business preparedness

Schools, churches, community groups and businesses use containers to stage supplies for local emergencies: water, cots, blankets, generators and tools. A 20ft or 40ft container at a central location, with a clear access plan, can serve many people.

FAQ

Is a shipping container a good place for emergency supplies?

Yes. It's weatherproof, secure and pest-resistant, ideal for storing supplies.

Can I shelter in a shipping container during a storm?

Unmodified containers aren't designed or approved as storm shelters. Follow official guidance on where to shelter.

Should I anchor my container?

In high-wind areas, anchoring is worth considering. Ask a professional about the right method.

What size container do I need for emergency supplies?

A 10ft or 20ft for most households; larger for farms, businesses and groups.

How do I keep emergency food fresh in a container?

Use shelf-stable food, rotate stock, keep it off the floor and consider an insulated container in extreme climates.

Can I store a generator and fuel in a container?

Store fuel according to safety rules and local regulations, with ventilation. Never run a generator inside a container.

Should I keep an emergency container locked?

Yes, but make sure several trusted people can open it quickly in an emergency, for example with a combination lock box.

Can a container protect supplies from wildfire?

Steel walls don't burn, which helps, but extreme heat can still damage contents. Keep the area around the container clear of brush and dry vegetation.

How much water should I store?

A common guideline is at least one gallon per person per day for several days. Check current official preparedness guidance for your area.