Emergency Food & Water Basics

Before you buy gear, before you build a kit — make sure you have food and water covered. Everything else in emergency preparedness is secondary to keeping your household fed and hydrated. This category covers the fundamentals.

How much water should you store?

The general guideline is one gallon per person per day — half for drinking, half for cooking and basic hygiene. For a family of four with a 72-hour goal, that means 12 gallons minimum. For a two-week supply, you are looking at 56 gallons. It adds up fast, which is why water storage containers and purification tools are just as important as the water itself.

Food and water storage tips

• Store water in food-grade containers away from direct sunlight
• Rotate stored water every 6-12 months
• Keep food in a cool, dry, dark location
• Label everything with purchase and expiration dates

Related categories

• Long Term Food Storage
• Food Storage Pouches