Steel Drums or Barrels for Food Storage

(Sue Massey)

My husband and I want to have an emergency plan for food. He is thinking that in order to keep rodents from invading the barrels, we need to store beans, rice, and other foods in metal barrels. I was thinking that we'd just stuff the bags into the barrels. From what I'm reading on your site, that's not right.

My first question is....Can we use steel barrels (not necessarily stainless)....the ones he's looking at are enameled on the outside. He is afraid that the mice can eat through any plastic containers.

Your comments are appreciated. I'm going to continue reading your site, and will let you know if I have any further questions.

Thank you,
Sue Massey
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Hi Sue,
Thank you for asking a very important question. Safe food storage is what we're all concerned with as we all live in different climates with varying circumstances. I think you will find your answer on my Safe Food Storage page.

Please feel free to write again if your questions are not answered on this page or if you have other questions.

Joan