STORE FOOD AND WATER

If a tornado, winter storm, hurricane or other disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days or even weeks. By taking some time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for yourself and your family.

Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill individuals will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon of water per person, per day. You should store a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.

If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need that day and try to find more for the next day. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

Water supply may be limited, so it is not recommended to stock salty foods or eat foods high in fat and protein. Try to eat whole-grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

If the electricity goes off, first use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator. Then, use foods from the freezer. (To minimize the number of times you open the freezer, post a list of freezer contents on it.) Typically, food will be good for three days. Last, begin to eat non-perishable foods.