We all should be gathering our supplies for our hurricane kit. And as we get our food items together, we sometimes wonder how long things will last.

The magazine Real Simple has compiled a guide for you to refer to for expiration dates. These dates are offered as a rough guideline.

The shelf life of most products depends on how you treat them. Edibles, unless otherwise indicated, should be stored in a cool, dry place. Household cleaners also do best in a dry place with stable temperature. Here are a few examples for you:

* Chocolate -- one year from production date.

* Coffee -- canned, ground, unopened, two years; opened, one month refrigerated.

* Soft drinks in plastic bottles -- unopened use by best date; opened really does not spoil but taste is affected.

* Dried pasta -- 12 months.

* Honey -- indefinite shelf life.

* Ketchup -- unopened, one year; opened, four-six months.

* Maple syrup -- one year.

* Mayonnaise -- unopened, indefinitely; opened, two-three months from purchase by date, refrigerated.

* Mustard -- two years.

* Peanut butter -- natural, nine months; processed, unopened, two-three years; opened, six months; refrigerate after three months.

* Tuna canned -- unopened, one year from purchase date; opened, three-four days not stored in can.

* Vinegar -- 42 months.

* Green olives -- unopened, three years; opened, three months.

These are just a few items that you may have on hand. Please remember as you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, do not put food aside that you would not eat normally.

In time of a disaster, making yourself eat something you do not like will only add to the stress of what is happening around you. Please stop by the chapter and pick up the needed information for building your disaster kit. And always remember your pets when you plan for your disaster.

Remember, we are here for you.

Dee Ann Roberts is the financial development and marketing director of the Charlotte County American Red Cross, located at 1300-D Enterprise Drive, Port Charlotte, 33953. She can be reached in Englewood at (941) 473-9891, in Port Charlotte at (941) 629-4345, or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it You can also visit the chapter Web site at

www.sunline.com/redcross

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