3 Day Emergency Food Storage

Introduction

When a disaster occurs, you will probably have no refrigeration, electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, or telephones services. Local officials and relief workers cannot reach everyone immediately. Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Government officials and relief agencies usually take 72 hours to get set up (4). This means having your own food, water, and other emergency supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days.  Don't' skimp on quantities, since emergencies are not the time to go on a diet!

You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need. Storing high-energy, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food is necessary for short-term aid. Stress will be very high after a crisis, so be mentally ready for it. Stress, extra physical labor, and lack of sleep will also take its toll on your body so high energy food is important. Even so-called "empty calorie" foods such as candy and other sugar-rich items are okay in these situations (4).  

What foods go into the three day emergency supply?

Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts, chips, or crackers
• Food for infants
• Food for pets
• Dry drink mixes to add to water
• Comfort/stress foods - candy bars, etc.

What drinks (water) should go into the three day emergency supply?

• Bottled water 
• Soda or juices (full sugar - not diet)
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  

How should the three day emergency supply be stored?

In some cases, you may need to evacuate on short notice and take essentials with you.  So, store these foods in one or two portable containers.  A perfect example is any storage box with wheels and a handle.  Be sure that the container fits into your vehicle.  If you have two, be sure they both fit.  Keep your storage container in an accessible place for easy access during an emergency.  Make sure all family members know where the emergency food/water is kept.

How Much Water do I Need?

You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A daily water intake of 3.7 L (approx. 1 gallon) for adult men and 2.7 L (approx. 3/4 gallon) for adult women is recommended. However the requirement varies according to age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water (1).  The easiest and most reliable emergency supply of water is commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it (2).

More details on foods to store for emergencies

The emphasis is on low weight, compact (low volume), high calorie, minimal preparation, long shelf life, and good taste food that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Take foods from a refrigerator and freezer at the beginning of the emergency.  Refrigerated foods are safe for four hours after removing them from refrigeration.  After that time discard them.  Frozen foods are good for four hours after they begin to thaw.   After that time discard them.

If you have enough advance warning about a possible power outage, you can extend the storage time of food left in a freezer (at the time of emergency) by filling empty spaces with water left to freeze. Fill clean plastic containers or jugs with water and freeze them. It will take 24-48 hours to freeze. Food will keep in a well-insulated, well-filled, closed freezer for 2 to 3 days (2).  After that time the thawed water can be used to drink.

Consider the following things when selecting the food supplies for emergency (2, 3, 4):

• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content. You can also choose high calorie non-thirst provoking foods such as peanut butter, jelly, food bars, and trail mix.

• MRE’s (Meals-ready-to-eat) designed for the military, are the easiest meals you can put in your kit. They have an incredibly long shelf life (up to 10 years when stored at temperatures below 70 deg. F). You can buy complete meals that include entree, side dish, dessert, drink mix, and utensils all in a pack. Or, you can stock up on individual entrees, side dishes, and desserts separately. These meals are designed to be heated, but can be eaten cold since they are already fully cooked.

• Stock ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, and instant soup

• Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets (for example, diabetics or those with allergies)

• Be sure to include some favorite foods and snacks in your emergency food supply specifically for the effect of raising spirits.

Maintaining Your 3 day emergency food storage

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition (2, 3):

• Keep the foods in a cool and dry place.

• Store paper-boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.

• Throw out any canned goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded.

• Use foods before expiration dates and replace them with fresh supplies or change stored food and water supplies every 6-12 months.

• Re-evaluate your food and water storage needs annually.

References:

1. http://extension.usu.edu/foodstorage/htm/water-storage

2. http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/current/FDNS-E-34-2.html

3. http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/assemble_disaster_supplies_kit.shtm

4. http://beprepared.com/article.asp_Q_ai_E_44_A_name_E_72-Hour%20Food%20Planning