When it comes to preparing for an emergency, having the right food supply is essential. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you should store at least one gallon of water and 2000 calories of food per day for a single person. The food should be non-perishable, require minimal or no preparation or cooking, and little or no water. To make sure you have the right food supply, consider stocking up on long-term survival foods that will last for years, such as those recommended by Real Simple's emergency food supply list.
Valley Food Storage's 175-serving long-term food bucket contains about 23,000 calories, which would provide enough food for at least two weeks. For short-term emergency preparedness, it is recommended that you save food and water for 3 days per person. This can be done by increasing the quantities of some basic, non-perishable foods that you would normally use. Long-term food storage of 525 servings would provide about 70,000 calories, which equates to just over a month of food for this age group at those calorie levels.
To ensure your food is safe and secure, store it in airtight plastic food storage containers, glass jars with screw lids, or non-rusting metal cans. Bacteria in food grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to keep your food stored in a cool place. For greater peace of mind in any emergency situation, individuals and families should store six months or more of food security. With the right preparation and supplies, you can make sure your family is safe and secure in any emergency.