How much emergency water and food do you need?
Store 1 gallon of water per person per day: 3 days’ worth to evacuate and 2 weeks’ worth at home. For a family of four that is about 56 gallons for two weeks, plus about 95,200 calories of food.
- From Ready.gov and American Red Cross guidance.
- Food counted in calories, not “servings”.
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How much water and food by household?
| Household | Water, 3 days | Water, 2 weeks | Food, 2 weeks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 adult | 3 gal | 14 gal | 28,000 kcal | Open |
| 2 adults | 6 gal | 28 gal | 56,000 kcal | Open |
| 2 adults, 1 child | 9 gal | 42 gal | 75,600 kcal | Open |
| 2 adults, 2 children | 12 gal | 56 gal | 95,200 kcal | Open |
| 2 adults, 3 children | 15 gal | 70 gal | 114,800 kcal | Open |
Water at 1 gallon per person per day; double it in very hot weather. Food at 2,000 calories per adult and 1,400 per child a day. Pets need their own food and water on top.
Questions people ask
How much water do I need for an emergency?
One gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation (Ready.gov). The American Red Cross recommends a 3-day supply if you have to evacuate and a 2-week supply at home. In very hot weather water needs can double.
How much water for a family of four for two weeks?
About 56 gallons: 4 people × 1 gallon × 14 days. That is roughly 467 lb of water, or about 8 seven-gallon jugs.
How much food should I store?
The Red Cross recommends 3 days of non-perishable food for an evacuation bag and 2 weeks at home. In calories, a family of four (two adults, two children) needs about 95,200 calories for two weeks, using 2,000 a day per adult and 1,400 per child.
Should I compare emergency food kits by servings?
No, compare them by total calories. Brands size a “serving” differently, so a kit with more servings can hold less food. Divide the kit's total calories by your household's daily need to see how many days it really lasts.
How long does stored water last?
Keep commercially bottled water sealed in its original container in a cool, dark place. Ready.gov advises replacing water you bottled yourself every six months.
How much water for one person for three days?
3 gallons: 1 gallon per person per day.
How much does a 2-week water supply weigh?
About 467 lb for a family of four: water weighs about 8.34 lb per gallon, so plan where to store it.
What should a basic emergency kit include?
Ready.gov's basic kit: water, non-perishable food, a battery or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape, wipes and garbage bags, a wrench or pliers, a manual can opener, local maps, and a phone with chargers and a backup battery. The outage planner turns it into a checklist.
Planning for a power outage too?
The outage planner adds power (battery or generator) and a printable kit checklist to the same household.
