Preparedness guide
How to estimate emergency food and water coverage
Turn stored quantities into a practical household estimate while respecting official water guidance and individual needs.
Calculate for the whole household, choose a planning horizon and treat official water guidance as a floor. Add more for heat, illness, pregnancy, infants and pets.
Separate need from target
Daily need, number of planning days and extra reserve are different decisions. Keep them visible so the result is understandable.
Use an official water floor
CDC and Ready.gov guidance uses at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Local authorities may recommend more.
- Every household member
- Pets
- Hot weather
- Illness and pregnancy
- Infant feeding needs
Treat the result as an estimate
Food energy does not capture allergies, preparation constraints, variety or medical diets. Review the plan against the real people in the household.
Primary sources
Use the latest local guidance where it is stricter or more specific than this general starting point.
Preparedness information only. Follow emergency services, public-health authorities and qualified professionals for urgent or individual advice.