Planning for spring

Here it is the end of January and with basically just a couple of more weeks of cold weather, here in South Carolina, it is time to plan for spring.  I am not talking just about spring cleaning, I am talking mainly about spring maintainence on my gear.  some items need inspecting, some need replacing or rotated out, and others just need serviced.   I perform this task every spring and some of them I perform again in the winter.  the list is as follows.

• Empty packs inspect for holes/wear and unwanted inhabitants (i.e. spiders, ants, etc.)
• Repair holes or replace straps if needed.  
• If Item has developed mold or mildew from the damp winter months I will clean with a mild dish solution, a stiff brush, and hot water.

• Paracord straps are inspected and replace atleast every two years.  I'll still keep the old ones for lashing or whatever but for emergency  load bearing cordage I want it as fresh as possible. 
• food items are inspected and replaced as needed. Done Spring and Fall
• Emergency Fuel supplies are replenished and stoves cleaned.  Done Spring and Fall
• Winter cold weather gear is cleaned and stored till next season. 
• Warm Weather gear is aired out and inspected.  
• Holes or tears are repaired.  
• Items that cannot be repaired are replaced. 
• Done in spring and late Fall.
• Metal items are cleaned and Serviced.
• Knives are inspected for oxidation and honed.  
• Guns are stripped and throughly cleaned and serviced.
• Cooking utensils and pans are inspected for damage and repaired/replaced. 
• all storage containers are cleaned and refreshed. (Plastic bottles, small screw-top canisters, etc.)
• all storage containers are placed in a container and covered in boiling water with bleach in it and soaked for 20 min then rinsed thoughly.  this kills any bacteria or parasites that have grown on/in them over the latent months.  
• Emergency vehicle kit is inspected and serviced.
• Emergency food in vehicle is replaced.
• Shoe laces are replaced and boots inspected for seam seperation or wear.
• medical supplies are rotated and replaced as needed.

With some careful planning and care you will stand a better chance coming out of an emergency alive.  Am I doing too much well,  I know that some people don't do a full strip on their guns or sharpen their knives because they have not been used. Nor do they take the time to refresh or sanitize their storage items or replace their cordage.   It is my philosophy that I would rather take the time to know it is clean or sharp than to get into a situation that I need the item to find out otherwise.  So take the time to service your gear, IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIVE!