Food & Water

Plan to have enough food and water for four to five days.

Water

  • Save enough water to last for a minimum of 72 hours.
  • Have one gallon of water per day for each person.
  • Do not drink water from the faucet until you have been officially notified that it is not contaminated.
  • If you must use tap water, do one of the following:
    • Use water purification tablets.
    • Apply 8 drops of unscented household bleach per gallon.
    • Boil it.

Note: If you plan on using the bleach, consult your physician to ensure that you do not have a condition that this would affect.

Food

Without electricity, food in the refrigerator will spoil. Do not eat it. Have access to the following:

  • Canned juices
  • Granola bars
  • Instant coffee, tea, cocoa
  • Special foods for individuals with special diets
  • Sugar, salt, pepper, spices, and bread (staples)
  • Sweetened cereal, candy (stress food)
  • Undamaged commercial canned goods, i.e., ready-to-eat canned, meats, fruits, and vegetables