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Emergency Food Storage & Survival

Create an emergency food plan for you and your family. Plan for how much food and water each person will need for a two-week period and store the items so that you will be ready for the emergency when it happens. You can create peace of mind for you and your family by planning ahead and preparing for the possibility of an emergency.

  1. Emergency Water Storage

    • Store enough water for each person and animal in your family. FEMA suggests that you “store at least one gallon per person, per day.” Everyone in your family needs water for drinking and personal hygiene. Do not forget that animals need water, too. Watch the expiration dates on your water and rotate it frequently, so that fresh water is always on hand for emergencies.

    Emergency Food Storage

    • FEMA recommends, “As you stock food, take into account your family's unique needs and tastes.” Your family, especially your children, may find comfort in familiar foods during stressful times. Rotate your emergency supply of food, so that you always have a fresh stock of food. Remember to store any food needed for a family member’s specialized diet. Keep enough food on hand for your pets. Try to have a two-week supply of emergency food for each member of your family.

    Types of Food

    • FEMA suggests, “Stock up with non-perishables and canned goods.” Keep staples, such as cereal, peanut butter and crackers. Canned goods, such as soup and vegetables, store well for longer periods. Keep a manual can opener handy for when the power goes out.

    Keep Your Food Safe

    • Store food properly. FEMA advises, “Keep food in a dry, cool spot—a dark area if possible.” Keep everything sealed and dry. Use pest-proof and food-safe containers for storage. Monitor your emergency supply periodically and check for expired food; rotate and replace anything that is expired. FEMA warns you to “throw out canned goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded.”

    When the Emergency Happens

    • Eat your perishables first before they spoil, then move on to your emergency food supplies. FEMA advises, “Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use” Do not risk you or your family getting sick if you have any doubt about food quality. If your power goes out, “A charcoal grill or camp stove can be used outdoors,” according to FEMA.

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