The Storage Container

Nearly every school has an external cargo container for disaster supplies. External containers are nearly indestructible and accessible away from hazards. They are generally accessible when school buildings are not. Placing supplies/equipment in multiple locations delays response time and may cause confusion in locating items. Thus, supplies should be stored in a single external container. Discussed here is a new or used steel tractor trailer cargo container, however many of the principals apply to any storage site.

 Costs and Maintenance
o The cost is approximately $3000 to purchase a 40 foot steel cargo container.
o Containers can be purchased with shelving, ventilation and complete insulation.
o PTA can grants funds to the school district to purchase the container.
o The container belongs to the district and maintenance of the structure is the district's responsibility.
o All vents must be screened to prevent an entrance for vermin.
o Maintenance of the school's container should be done by the school district. A work order can be placed by your building custodian for repairs.
o Zirc fittings attached at the hinges can make container doors open easier. Sometimes the handles need grease.
o Shelving should be anchored to walls.
   Shelves can be designed to double as bunk beds.
   Building shelves can be an Eagle Scout project.
   Security 
o Disaster supplies are often stored in the same container as athletic gear. Doing so compromises security and compromises access to disaster supplies and equipment. 
o The district is responsible for keying and security.
 Many staff members should have copies of the keys, so someone present will have a key in time of need.
 The PTA organization advises that PTA volunteers NOT carry a container key.
 Condensation/Moisture problems are often evident in steel and aluminum containers.
  o Barrels of water trap moisture in the container, cause the wooden floor to rot, and maintain a perpetual cycle of condensation which damages supplies.
  o Culprits for moisture problems can be leaks in the container body or cracks or hardening of the door's rubber gasket.
  o We consulted professionals and received conflicting remedies. One professional was sure that trapped moisture would not condense as readily if the container were insulated: decreasing the rapid temperature flux which causes condensation.
  o Insulation can be used on the walls of the container to reduce condensation and create a better secondary shelter during evacuation. Spray insulation can be used on the ceiling.
  o Insulating a 40 foot steel container costs about $200. These are ? inch thick 4 ft X 8 ft sheets of Styrofoam insulation board, foam board adhesive, and a calking gun. Spray foam can also be used, especially on the ceiling.
  o It was advised by one expert not to insulate the ceiling of the container so possible leaks can be detected.
  o Retrofit Turbine venting was recommended as the cure by one.
 Forty foot containers can require 2 vents.
 Most containers have small vents in the upper corners. This should be adequate for intake and the turbine vents to take out the air and moisture.
 Retrofit Ventilation can be installed by local vendors for about $500.
  o If your container has electricity, a small dehumidifier can be used.