Planning for the Unexpected

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

Where to Begin - Water

• 1 gallon per day per person

• Store in cleaned and sanitized containers

• Containers can be glass, food grade plastic, or metal with enamel liners

Preserve the Water

• Treat with bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite - no color, soap or scents

• 4 drops per quart

• Stir and seal tightly

• Mark “Purified Drinking Water”

• Store in cool, dark place

If You Don’t Have Water Stored

• Turn off water supply to the house to prevent contamination

• Turn off gas or electricity to water heater

• Drain water from bottom of water heater

Water in Your Pipes

• Turn faucet on in highest point of the house to allow in air

• Drain water from lowest faucet

If you must use outside water

• Boiling is best• Filter if needed

through clean paper, towels, cheese cloth, coffee filters or special filters for camping

• Chlorinate• Let stand 30 minutes

Choosing the Right Food

• Canned food• Dried, evaporated and

boxed milk• Peanut butter, jelly,

granola bars, trail mix, nuts, cereal

• Crackers and pretzels

• Instant pudding, cookies and candy

• Instant coffee, hot chocolate and tea bags

• Powdered drinks• Sugar, salt, pepper,

mustard, catsup, creamer and mayo

How Much to Store

• 3 days usually enough

• Rotate food one to two times a year

• Water can be stored up to 5 years

Canned and packaged foods

• Buy the amount you and your family can eat in one sitting

• Don’t store perishable food in open cans or packages

Dry foods

• Store in airtight, moisture proof containers

• Store away from direct light in cool place

• Once open, store leftovers in storage bags that zip

Safe Cooking

• Outside only – camp fire, grill, camp stove

• Inside – candle warmers, chafing dishes, fondue pots

Meals Ready to Eat

• Dehydrated meals

• Packaged rice and noodle mixes with added canned tuna or chicken

• Require water to fix

To Summarize

• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day

• Plan menus of easy to store and fix foods

• Store at least 3 days of food and water

• Buy food in container sizes that can be used in one sitting

• Rotate stored food at least 1-2 times a year