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.