PREPARE: Water and Food
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Crisis preparedness is not just a necessity—it’s a responsibility to ensure your family’s safety. This blog post, “PREPARE: Water and Food,” is not just a guide but a crucial resource for establishing a reliable stockpile of food and water. This preparation is key to bolstering your family’s ability to cope during unexpected emergencies, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, power outages, and pandemics. It’s important to note that the stockpile is designed to sustain you for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the situation. For a list of common and uncommon emergencies, download our Crisis Cheat Sheet.
Understanding the basics of water and food storage is not just a skill; it’s a practical way to ensure safety and maintain health when the usual systems we depend on are disrupted. In this post, we’ll delve into how much emergency water and food to store, what supplies are most reliable, and tips for maintaining the quality and safety of your stored goods. So, keep reading to become an informed and empowered Mama Grizzly.
Emergency Water Supply
Stocking an adequate water supply is vital for survival in emergency situations. It is not just for drinking but also hygiene and cooking. Here’s how to manage your emergency water effectively.
How much water does my family need? You need to store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. For each pet, include one quart per day. Start with a three-day supply and build up to two weeks if you have the space.
How do you store water? Many of us may not have considered this question until now. Water must be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent algae growth and to keep the container from breaking down. Use opaque, heavy-duty, food-grade plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. I recommend that you have about a 50/50 mix of bulk containers and cases of canned water.
How do I maintain water quality? To ensure safety, replace your stored and bottled water every six months. The canned water linked above has a shelf life of 50 years. Keep containers tightly sealed and labeled with the storage date. If storing tap water, use water preservatives.
What if my water supply is running low? Boiling water is a highly effective method for purification. Alternatively, you could use water purification tablets or water filtration devices. One useful tool is the LifeStraw, a portable filter that can purify water directly from natural sources, making it safe for drinking.
Emergency Food Supply
Maintaining an emergency food supply for all family members, including pets, is essential for crisis situations. It ensures nourishment and sustained health and energy when other food sources are unavailable. Here’s how to manage your emergency food supply effectively.
How much food does my family need? It’s important to stock at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person, though a two-week supply is preferable if you have the space and means. Calculate each adult at 2,000 calories, children at 1,500, and pets at 35 calories per pound of weight, per day.
Example: Petra’s family of two adults, two children, and a 40-pound dog requires 2,000 x 2, 1,500 x 2 for 7,000 calories per day for people, and 35 x 40 for 1,400 calories of dog food. This is 21,000 calories (plus 4,200 calories of dog food) for a 3-day food supply.
What foods should I store? Select food items your family will eat that meet specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or low-sodium options. Ideal foods for storage do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. These might include canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; protein or fruit bars; dry cereal or granola; peanut butter; dried fruits; nuts; crackers; and shelf-stable milk. Don’t forget baby food and pet food if applicable.
What does 3-days of emergency food look like? This involves understanding the concept of calorie density—the number of calories contained in a given volume or weight of food. Foods like nuts, dried fruits, and certain canned goods have high caloric content without occupying much storage space. The idea is to maximize nutritional value and calorie density, thereby minimizing the space required for storage. It’s also important to stock foods your family will actually eat to minimize stress in an already stressful situation.
Example: Petra’s 3-day emergency food supply consists of:
How do I keep my food fresh? Maintaining the quality of stored food is crucial. Keep your supplies in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and ensure containers are airtight to avoid spoilage and deter pests. Check the expiration dates monthly and rotate stored food into your everyday pantry to avoid waste. Use a FIFO (First-In, First-Out) rotation system to keep your stockpile fresh and effective.
What if my food supply is running low? If your food supplies run low during an extended emergency, ration items to extend their duration. Prioritize high-energy and high-protein foods and ensure food consumption is balanced with adequate water intake. If necessary, look to community resources such as food banks or emergency shelters, which can provide additional support during times of need. Maintaining a home garden is also a best practice for improving your self-sufficiency.
Final Word
As we wrap up this guide on preparing your family with essential water and food supplies for emergencies, it’s important to recognize the empowerment that comes from being prepared. Establishing a reliable stockpile ensures your family’s safety and well-being during unforeseen circumstances. The readiness to face these challenges head-on not only provides a sense of security but also fosters resilience in your community.
Taking the first steps towards preparation might seem daunting, but every effort you make significantly enhances your family’s ability to thrive in adverse situations. Whether rotating your water supply to keep it fresh, choosing nutrient-dense foods that your family will eat, or planning for pets and special dietary needs, each action contributes to a comprehensive emergency plan.
We encourage you to use this guide and engage with your community by sharing your experiences and tips on emergency preparedness. Join our Mama-Grizzlies Facebook Group to stay informed and continue educating yourself and others about the importance of family safety. As Mama and Papa Grizzlies, we can face any challenge confidently, knowing we are prepared and have the support of others.