Food and Water Kit

What to have on hand when municipal water and grocery access may be unavailable for days.

Before Landfall (stock before the storm)

Item Quantity Priority
Water1 gal/person/day × 3 days minimumCRITICAL
Commercially bottled or food-grade stored waterFull rotation checkedCRITICAL
Non-perishable food3 days' worth per personCRITICAL
Manual can opener2CRITICAL
Peanut butter2–3 jarsIMPORTANT
Canned beans, tuna, chicken6–12 cansIMPORTANT
Crackers, granola bars, trail mix3-day snack supplyIMPORTANT
Baby formula or infant food7-day supply if applicableCRITICAL
Special dietary foods7-day supply if medically requiredCRITICAL
Water purification tablets or filter1RECOMMENDED
Electrolyte packets1 boxRECOMMENDED

First 72 Hours

Item Quantity Priority
Water (maintain)Continue 1 gal/person/dayCRITICAL
Canned meals (no cook)Rotate through supplyCRITICAL
Manual can openerIn useCRITICAL
Paper plates + utensilsMinimize washingIMPORTANT
Garbage bagsFor waste managementIMPORTANT
Baby formula/food (continued)Maintain supplyCRITICAL

Extended Outage (beyond 72 hours)

Item Quantity Priority
Water supply (extended)2-week supply at home: 2 gal/person/dayCRITICAL
Pantry rotationPull from stock; restock as stores reopenIMPORTANT
Camp stove + fuelFor hot meals; outdoor use onlyIMPORTANT
Food pantry or distribution pointLocate in advance; check ready.govRECOMMENDED
Restock staples (rice, beans, pasta)Long shelf life; replenish when availableRECOMMENDED

Reviewed April 20, 2026 against Ready.gov, the National Hurricane Center, FEMA, and state or local emergency management guidance. Use this checklist as a supplemental starting point, not a substitute for local instructions or the full guide.

Reviewed April 20, 2026 · HurricaneSupplyList.com