Food and water
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A sufficient supply of water is crucial in times of emergency. An active, healthy person needs to drink at least two quarts of water a day - more if the weather is hot. Additional water may be needed depending on the age, health, physical activity of each individual and the temperature. More water will be needed when the weather is hot.
Drinking water should never be rationed except by order of emergency officials.
Water also is needed for food preparation and hygiene. A rule of thumb is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Safety officials recommend storing enough water to last at least two weeks.
Water should be stored in clean containers. Plastic containers are best. Seal the containers tightly and label them. Water should be stored in a cool, dark place and rotated every six months.
People should have enough food to last for two weeks. According to one source, the best way to increase the food supply is to increase the amount of basic foods normally kept on the shelves. It is recommended that all food supplies be dated using a permanent marker.
Food should be kept cool and dry in a dark area if possible. Food should be covered at all times. Boxes and cans should be opened carefully to allow tight closure after each use.
Wrap cookies, crackers and like foods in plastic bags and place the bags in airtight containers. Opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts should be emptied into screw-top jars or airtight containers.
Inspect all food for spoilage before use. Throw out any canned goods with cans that are swollen, dented or corroded. Use food before it goes bad and replace with fresh. Always date food and place new supplies at the back of the shelf.
As a general rule, emergency food and water supplies should be changed every six months.
Hurricane kits should be stocked with familiar foods, including canned foods and dry mixes. Food supplies should contain items that are high in calories and nutrition. Food that does not require refrigeration or cooking is best.
Examples of recommended food to store include canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables and soup, bread, oranges, apples, crackers, peanut butter and jelly, granola bars, trail mix, cookies, hard candy, cereals, powered milk, powdered drink mixes, instant coffee, tea and cocoa and soda.
Hurricane kit foods also should consider members of the household with special diets or allergies.
If possible, place all items of a hurricane kit in airtight plastic bags stored inside easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused, clean trashcan, plastic storage container or duffel bag.
Shelf life for foods in storage
General guidelines for rotating common emergency foods.
Use within six months:
- Powdered milk (boxed)
- Dried fruit (in metal container)
- Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)
- Potatoes
Use within one year:
- Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
- Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables
- Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Hard candy and canned nuts
- Vitamin C
May be stored indefinitely (if in dry, cool dark place):
- Wheat
- Vegetable oils
- Dried corn
- Baking powder
- Soybeans
- Instant coffee, tea and cocoa
- Salt
- Non-carbonated soft drinks
- White rice
- Bouillon products
- Dry pasta
- Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)
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