Recommended Emergency Rations

The following emergency rations recommendations are based on the guidelines of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA is a government agency that issues recommendations for planning and preparing supplies for disasters. These guidelines provide information on water and food and on how to manage emergency rations.

Water

• FEMA recommends at least a three-day supply of drinking water for each person (every person should have at least 2 liters per day). You may need to make adjustments for the amount of water you store. Plan on keeping more water if temperatures are likely to be high, or if children or nursing mothers might be present.

  FEMA suggests purchasing bottled water if possible. However, if you prepare your own containers of water, use thoroughly cleaned, two-liter plastic soda bottles (these are the large, standard-size bottles that Pepsi and Coke come in). Do not use glass or wax paper containers.

Food

• FEMA recommends including at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, especially foods that require little or no water or cooking to consume. These foods should also be lightweight and should contain little salt (so you don’t get thirsty). Also, don’t forget to include a manual can opener.

  FEMA recommends including the following foods in your rations:
  -canned meats, fruits and vegetables (ready to eat)
  -canned juices, milk and soup
  -high-energy or carb-loaded foods like crackers, granola bars, jelly, peanut butter and trail mix
  -comfort foods like candy and cookies
  -staples like salt, pepper and sugar
  -vitamins
  -special foods for infants, elderly people and/or people with dietary restrictions

Other Supplies

• In addition to food rations, a first aid kit and other supplies are crucial for disaster preparedness. Visit Fema.gov for more information.

Rationing Water

• FEMA recommends against rationing water unless instructed to do so by officials, and to drink from your stored water whenever you are thirsty. However, don’t replace your water consumption with carbonated beverages, as these can dehydrate the body. Additionally, always remember to drink uncontaminated water first, and boil, distill or use bleach (16 drops per gallon, let sit for 30 min.) if you aren’t sure. Note that only distillation removes microbes and other chemicals.

Rationing Food

• Don’t ever eat food that looks or smells strange or comes from damaged cans. Throw away foods that come into direct contact with floodwater or have been sitting at room temperature longer than two hours. Only use canned or pre-prepared baby formula. Remember to keep your hands and cooking utensils as clean as possible. Keep trash containers sealed and don’t let garbage accumulate inside the house. If you must warm food, never use charcoal grills or camp stoves inside the house.