Store Food & Water

Storing water is a critical component of your disaster planning. In the event of an earthquake, it is best to turn off the water to your home. You can always turn it back on. This will keep the water in your home from being contaminated from sewage coming in from broken pipes. Wait to hear on the radio if there are water delivery issues or sanitation problems in your area before turning it back on. Always drink the best water you have first, before boiling or treating water that is suspicious.

Important Resources w/ Detailed Information

FEMA – Food and Water in an Emergency
This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on safely storing food and water, including recommendations on quantities, container types, and sanitation practices.
https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f%26web.pdf
Ready.gov – Food
This official U.S. government site offers practical advice on selecting and storing non-perishable foods, maintaining food safety during emergencies, and managing special dietary needs.
https://www.ready.gov/food
CDC – How to Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide guidelines on determining water needs, choosing appropriate storage containers, and ensuring water safety during disasters.
https://www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/about/how-to-create-and-store-an-emergency-water-supply.html
Oregon State University Extension – Food: How to Stock Up and Prepare for Natural Disasters
This resource offers practical tips on stocking up on food for natural disasters, including suggestions for food types, storage methods, and preparation techniques.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em9331-s

Tips:

Bodega Bay CERT suggests to be prepared for 48 hours to 2 weeks without utilities. That adds up!
You will need to store food and water for a minimum of 2-3 days and preferably 5-14 days.
The rule of thumb for water storage is 1 gallon of water per person (and per pet), per day.
Remember that in your home, you have between 30-50 gallons of water in your hot water heater. While you can access this water from the valve on the heater, you will need to filter it (a coffee filter works well) since sediment builds in the bottom of the tank.
Store your supplies in a safe place, check expiration dates on food and water twice a year and replace as necessary.
Choose non-perishable food that is low-sodium (reduces your thirst) and pick items that you will want to eat.
Don't forget to put a can opener in your kit!