Now that you've got some basic planning and preparing underway, let's spend Week 3 talking about emergency food and water storage.  

Maybe you usually have enough food on hand to last a few days, but what about water? 

What if you needed enough food and water to get by for 2 weeks or longer? 

This week we'll get into some of the nitty-gritty about where to start and how to plan for food and water in an emergency.  If you're short on time and looking for a one-stop resource for both, check out Food & Water in an Emergency developed by FEMA and the Red Cross.

Creating an extra supply of food and water will create additional expense, but you don't have to do it all at once.  Buying a little each week will spread out the cost while helping you avoid developing a cache full of items that expire at the same time—here is a plan for developing your food/water cache a little at a time and over the course of 12 weeks.  If you'd rather make quick work of this task with a readymade shopping list or prepacked emergency food kits, there are many options to be found online and in the community.

WATER

Living in Lane County, it is hard to imagine running out of water since it is all around us.  But in the aftermath of certain hazards, like severe flooding or an earthquake, the water sources we usually rely on may be unavailable or contaminated.  For this reason, it is a good idea to develop a water storage plan.  Where do you start?

What do you need it for? First, identify all the reasons you’ll need water. Will you be storing it for home use or putting it in an evacuation bag or both? In addition to water needed for drinking and food preparation, think about uses that may not require purified water, e.g. cleaning, animal use, additional hygiene (toilets, first aid, etc.).

How Much? Next, do the math to figure out how much water you’ll need for your household.  As a general rule, plan for 1 gallon per person/day for drinking and basic sanitation.  Again, this rule is a baseline —figure in more for persons who are active, elderly, pregnant, have health issues, have additional hygiene considerations, or if temperatures outside are high. 

Need More? Finally, the one gallon/person rule is for people only, so if you have pets or animals, you need to figure in enough additional water for their needs as well. Don’t forget to plan extra water specifically for your furry (or feathered, or scaled) family members!

STORAGE TIPS FOR WATER

• Store small bottles throughout the home Instead of large jugs, stash water bottles under sinks, in closets, or behind furniture. If you live alone, it makes sense to invest in individual bottles and gallon containers, but keep in mind that the shelf life can limited due to the type of plastic used to make them. 
• Collapsible water containers take up little room when empty and can be filled when a storm or emergency is forecasted.
• Water filtration as a backup if storing gallons isn’t realistic. Keep a portable water filter or purification tablets in your emergency kit to make questionable water safe to drink.
• Use freezer space wisely. Freeze some water in plastic bottles—this not only provides water but also keeps your freezer cold longer during an outage.
• For any size group/family, consider investing in a water storage barrel.  The upfront cost is more, but they are designed for long-term use, simplify the process, and reduce waste.  Read more on the FEMA website for more information regarding water storage and treatment.
• For uses that don't required purified water, think about attaching a rain barrel(s) system to your gutter system.  There are many options online for purchasing a readymade barrel or do-it-yourself. 

FOOD

When planning food for emergencies, keep in mind these important tips:

• Aim to store at least several days’ worth of non-perishable food for emergencies, with two weeks as the ideal goal. This ensures your household can get through disruptions like power outages, severe weather, or supply shortages without needing immediate outside help. Focus on shelf-stable items that require minimal preparation and gradually build your supply to avoid overwhelming your budget or storage space.
• Choose foods your family will eat and don't store new things without trying them first. When building your emergency food supply, choose foods your family already eats and enjoys. Storing unfamiliar items can lead to waste, added stress, or even digestive issues during a crisis. Try new foods before stocking up to ensure they’re well-tolerated and actually edible.
• Focus on shelf-stable versions of your regular meals—like canned soups, pasta, rice, and snacks—so rotation is easy and nothing goes to waste. Involving the whole family helps ensure everyone has something they’ll eat when it matters most.
• Remember any special dietary needs.

Good options for shelf-stable emergency storage are 

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener: These foods require no cooking, have a long shelf life, and provide essential nutrients.
• Protein or fruit bars: Compact and calorie-dense, they offer quick energy and nutrition in a convenient form.
• Dry cereal or granola: Lightweight, non-perishable, and easy to eat without preparation.
• Peanut butter: High in protein and healthy fats-- it’s nutritious, filling, and shelf-stable.
• Dried fruit: Offers a good source of vitamins and natural sugars for energy without refrigeration.
• Canned juices: Provide hydration and essential vitamins, especially vitamin C, in a sealed, safe format.
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk: A good source of calcium and protein that doesn’t require refrigeration until opened.
• High-energy foods: Foods like trail mix or energy snacks sustain energy levels during emergencies.
• Food for infants: Essential for meeting the specific dietary needs of babies who can’t eat regular foods.
• Comfort/stress foods: Familiar treats can boost morale and provide emotional comfort during stressful situations. Did you know they make freeze-dried butter?

Thoughts on Food Safety

When loss of power/water compromises food safety and sanitation, it is important to understand these "dos and don'ts". 

And whether you're cooking at home or outside, if you're relying on alternative cooking methods, spend some time becoming familiar with what that looks like before the emergency using different types of cooking methods.  If you think an outdoor fire might be your cooking source and you haven't done a lot of camping before, brush up on cooking while camping tips to get ready.

Once you've got your food storage established, develop a system for cycling through it to ensure your supplies don't extend their shelf life before you get to them-- this strategy relates back to "buy what your family will eat".  Rotating food storage using a simple "first-in-first-out" approach that eliminates waste and reinforces your new preparedness habits!  

STORING FOOD & WATER

If space in your home is tight, consider these tips for maximizing the space you have and making room for supplies. 

• Use under-bed storage Store low-profile bins of canned goods or dry food under beds, couches, or furniture with clearance.
• Vertical space is your friend Install shelves above doors, in closets, or in unused corners. Even a narrow bookshelf can hold a lot of canned goods.
• Double-duty furniture Use storage ottomans, benches, or side tables with hidden compartments to store food.
• Closet and cabinet organization Declutter closets and kitchen cabinets to make room. Use stackable containers or organizers to maximize shelf space.
• Focus on calorie-dense, compact foods Store items like peanut butter, granola bars, instant rice, and dried fruit—small size, high energy.

If indoor space is so limited that you’re considering storing supplies somewhere outside the house, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use weatherproof, rodent-resistant containers like heavy-duty plastic bins, deck boxes, or small sheds to protect your food and water from the elements.
• Elevate storage off the ground to avoid moisture, and place it in shaded areas to minimize heat exposure.
• Only store shelf-stable, heat-tolerant items—such as canned goods, rice, or sealed bottled water—and avoid anything that can melt or spoil easily.
• Consider using insulated coolers or even your vehicle's trunk for short-term storage, but rotate contents regularly, as temperature swings can shorten shelf life.
• Store in a place that you’ll be able to access at anytime, especially during an emergency.

Take Action This Week

Don't wait for a crisis to think about your basic needs—prepare your food and water ahead of time. You don't need to do everything at once. Start small this week with these simple steps:
✅ Water First: Establish anticipated water needs for your household then pick up a gallon of water per person per day—aim for at least a 3-day supply to start.

✅ Build a Food Buffer: Buy a few extra non-perishable food items each time you shop. Canned goods, rice, pasta, and nut butters are good options.
✅ Check What You Have: Take 10 minutes to check your pantry and make a list of what you already have—this helps avoid waste and overspending.
✅ Store Smart: Keep your emergency food and water in a cool, dry place. Make sure it’s easy to access if the power goes out.
✅Set a Reminder: Put a monthly reminder on your calendar to rotate stock, check expiration dates, and add a few more supplies.