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Food and Water in an Emergency

Introduction
Water
Food
Cooking
Special Circumstance in a Flood:

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Introduction

Food and water are, of course, essential in an emergency. But they are often the hardest to get or to store in a disaster situation, especially if the power has gone out. Without electricity, well pumps will not operate, refrigerators and freezers cannot run, and electric stoves, ovens, microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, and other appliances are useless.

What can you do to make sure you and your family can still eat in an emergency?

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Water

Having clean water to drink is a top priority in a disaster. The human body can last a surprisingly long time (weeks, even over a month) without food, but can only last days without water.

• Have a three-day supply of clean, drinkable water on hand. That means at least three gallons of water per person. Store more if possible.
• Use water containers specifically designed for re-use: camping bottles, canteens, "Nalgene" bottles, etc. Do not use glass bottles. Do not use milk or juice containers. They provide a place for bacteria to grow. If you cannot obtain re-usable bottles, use two-liter plastic soda bottles. Clean them thoroughly before filling!
• If you use a well or untreated water source, sanitize the water by following this water treatment chart.
• Replace the water every six months.
• Purchasing commercially bottled water is a good option; be sure to keep an eye on expiration dates, and do not open the bottles until you need to use them!

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Food

Food isn't just for nutrition in an emergency; it's also a source of comfort. Select foods that your whole family will enjoy, and pack at least a three-day supply in your Emergency suppy kit.

Foods to consider:

• Canned meats, vegetables, or fruit; juices, soups, etc. Canned products often contain water, which you can save and use.
• Comfort foods: cookies, crackers, hard candy, sweetened cereal.
• Trail mix.
• Compressed food bars. They store well, are lightweight, taste good, and are nutritious.
• High-energy foods, like peanut butter or energy bars.

Food to think twice about:

• Nuts or other salty foods. Salty foods will increase thirst, and you'll be working with a limited water supply.
• Anything in glass bottles or containers.
• Dried grains, beans, or pasta -- they take too much water to make.

Food Safety:

If the electricity goes off, use the food in your home in this order:

1. Perishable foods in the refrigerator.
2. Perishable foods in the freezer. Freezers will keep foods cold for a few days as long as you avoid opening the door. To minimize the times you open the door, post a list of the freezer's contents and their relative locations.
3. Nonperishable foods.

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Cooking

Cooking is a challenge in an emergency. Here are some suggestions:

• First, consider foods that don't need preparation:
  • Trail mixes or meal bars.
  • Ready-to-eat meals.
  • Freeze-dried foods. Try to avoid commercially dehydrated foods, because they'll take more water and time to prepare, but freeze-dried foods (like military MREs or "Meals Ready to Eat") are a good choice.
• Consider purchasing an alternate means of cooking:
  • A gas stove that does not need electric ignition.
  • A small, lightweight camp stove. You can find them in most backpacker supply or outdoor outfitter stores.
  • Canned cooking fuel, like Sterno and a canister stove.

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Special Circumstance in a Flood:

A final point to make here: the rules are a bit different in a flood. Floodwaters can pick up and carry all kinds of contaminants, from household chemicals to oil from submerged vehicles to raw sewage. Never drink floodwater, and if possible, don't even go near it! Any food or water -- even if it appears to be just the containers -- that have come in contact with floodwater should be discarded!

Additional Resources

• National Disaster Education Coalition (PDF) - The Appendix to their guide, "Talking About Disasters," has good advice on food and water safety.
• Links on Prepare.org:
  • Food safety.
  • A food safety chart.
  • A guide to water treatment.
• "Food and Water in an Emergency" (PDF) - a pamphlet from FEMA