Food & Water

Food

  • Store at least a 3-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, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
  • Pack a manual can opener, basic eating utensils and basic kitchen accessories needed for cooking, eating and storage.
  • Rotate your stored food every 6 months for freshness.
Choose foods your family will eat:
  • Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
  • Comfort/stress foods such as:
    • Cookies
    • Hard candy
    • Hot cocoa
    • Instant coffee
    • Lollipops
    • Sweetened cereals
    • Tea bags
  • Dry cereal or granola
  • food for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets.
  • High energy foods such as:
    • Crackers
    • Dried fruit
    • Granola bars
    • Jelly
    • Nuts
    • Peanut butter
    • Trail mix
  • Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  • Protein or fruit bars
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables.
  • Vitamins

Additional Items


  • Aluminum foil
  • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
  • Non-electric can opener, utility knife
  • Plastic storage containers

Water


  • Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household.
  • Store 3 gallons of water per person per day, for drinking, food preparation and sanitation.
  • Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
  • Be sure to change your stored water supply every 6 months so it stays fresh.

Remember


Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water. If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.