Food and Water

Food Supply

Your family should have a three day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, ensure you have a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with a high liquid content. Remember to store a manual can opener. Below are additional examples of recommended food items:

• Canned juices, milk, soup, if powdered, store extra water
• Comfort/stress foods such as cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instance coffee, tea bags
• Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
• High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, salt free crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Vitamins

Water Supply

Your family should have a three day supply of water. Each person requires at least one gallon of water, per day. Typically, an active person requires at least one-half gallon of water daily. In determining adequate quantities, the following should be taken into account:

• Individual needs vary depending on the age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people require more water.
• Hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• A medical emergency may require additional water.

To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended that you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until it is needed.