Food & water emergency kit

In a disaster or pandemic, the supply of food may be interrupted because:

• grocery trucks cannot travel on damaged roads to restock stores
• grocery stores and warehouses may be damaged
• food supply may be contaminated or spoiled
• stores may not open if there aren’t enough staff available

That’s why you should have up to a 7-day supply of food and water for every person in your household. In the event of a pandemic, you may need to have several weeks’ worth of food and water for every person.

Choose ready to eat foods that your family likes, and that don’t need refrigeration.  Your kit should also include some basic cooking and kitchen supplies to heat and serve food.

Food:

• Canned food: soups, stews, baked beans, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit
• Crackers/biscuits
• Instant coffee
• Jam
• Peanut butter
• Spices and sweetners (salt, pepper, sugar, honey)
• Tea

Water:

• Each person will require at least 6 litres of water per day
  - 2 litres for drinking water
  - 2 litres for food preparation, hygiene, and dishwashing
  - extra 2 litres of water in the event of a pandemic

Cooking and kitchen supplies:

• Manual can opener and a bottle opener
• Disposable cups and plates
• Fuel stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s instructions)
• Plastic garbage bags
• Liquid detergent
• Utensils: knifes, forks, spoons
• Utility knife
• Waterproof matches

If you own pets, remember to add canned or dried pet food to your emergency food and water kit.

Replace your canned food, dry goods and bottled water once a year to ensure freshness.