Three Month Emergency Supply List

When planning supplies to keep for an emergency, the minimum you should aim for is three to seven days' worth. However, if you have room, keeping enough supplies to last everyone in your household three months is ideal. Think beyond food and water and include sources of energy and cooking fuel, safety supplies and even items your pets need.

Water

• Storing water for drinking and using in your household involves more than simply keeping water in containers. The containers you choose must be food-safe for drinking water, and you must keep them at cool temperatures so toxins from plastic don't leach into the water. Aim to store 90 gallons of water per person for a three-month supply. This allows for half of that for drinking and the other half for cooking and sanitation. If possible, collect water into rain barrels for using in your garden, and have water filters and water-purifying kits on hand so you can treat water if necessary.

Food

• Keep a variety of canned goods, including tuna or other canned fish or meat, fruit, vegetables and soup. Be sure to store your food in order of expiration date, and every few weeks, rotate the oldest food out of storage and into the foods you use every day. This ensures that your emergency food is never in danger of expiring. Use the same principle for other foods, including crackers, dried fruit, pasta, rice, granola and cereal, sports drinks or canned juices and even beef jerky and the odd comfort food, such as Twinkies.

Power and Heat

• Ideally, have a generator that you can use for power in case an emergency happens. These can be powered by battery, gasoline or even solar or wind. Or install a few solar panels on your roof for supplementary power. These can be used to power basic appliances in your home if there is no other power. If this isn't an option for you, make sure you can do things in everyday life without power. Have plenty of wood and a wood stove for heating, and a fire pit for cooking outside.

Other Items

• Personal care items can be a way to help you feel more comfortable in a time of emergency. Store extra toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap and shampoo, toilet paper, shaving supplies and baby supplies. Have extra lighting such as candles, matches, lighters, flashlights and plenty of batteries in all sizes. Remember to have plenty of clothing, boots and winter items for everyone in your house. Include sizes that your children can grow into. A set of basic tools for both indoor and outdoor work can also be a lifesaver. While powered tools are convenient, keep manual tools on hand as well.