Emergency Preparedness Step 3

• Canned soups, stews, chili, beans (check out these shelf-stable meal kit recipes for convenience)

• Boxed or pouch meals (mac & cheese, rice kits, pasta)

• Peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, trail mix

• Shelf-stable milk or plant-based alternatives

• Canned fruit and veggies

• Instant oatmeal or cereal

• Comfort food: chocolate, coffee, tea

Cluck-Worthy Tip: Choose foods that don’t require a fridge or freezer and that your family will actually eat. Our Grid-down Recipes are a great resource to try if you want handy shelf-stable meals ready to go.

If the power’s out, you’ll need a backup cooking method:

• Large camp stove or small depending on your needs (don’t forget fuel)

• Portable power station and an electric hot plate

• Sterno cans + folding stove rack

• Camping oven or grill (with extra charcoal or propane)

• Fire pit (if local laws allow)

• A solar oven or thermal bag for a passive cooking option to save fuel

Safety Tips!

• Store fuel safely
• Practice using your gear before you need it
• Don’t cook, even with electric which can spark, if you suspect a gas leak. Be sure to store a few preps that don’t require cooking.

The absolute minimum should include 1 gallon of water per person per day (but 2 gallons would be a lot more comfortable). This includes drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.

So for 3 days:

• 1 person = 3 gallons

• 4 people = 12 gallons

• Don’t forget pets! 🐶🐱

Water Storage Ideas:

• Pre-bottled water (cheap, easy, ready to go)

• Shelves to stack 5-gallon water bottles, and manual water pump for easy use without power

• Stackable water storage bricks

• Water container with a spigot for convenient hand and dish washing

• Bathtub water bladder (extra emergency water for incoming storms)

• Water treatment drops for stored water
• A gravity-fed water filter can help provide clean drinking water for everyday use

• Prep & Serve Gear:
  Manual can opener, pot or pan, heat-safe utensils, paper plates, bowls, cups, plastic cutlery

• Cleanup Supplies:
  Dish soap, sponge or scrub brush, paper towels, napkins, trash bags (kitchen + heavy-duty)

Keep your 72-hour supply somewhere easy to access in a pinch:

• Store in clear plastic bins with lids in a hall closet or spare room

• Store potatoes and onions in breathable, light-proof containers

• On a garage shelf (only items that aren’t temperature sensitive)

• Under the bed in storage bins

• Dedicated “emergency shelf” in your pantry

Label it, check expiration dates a few times year, and rotate as needed.