Hurricane food and water list

By SGWNI. Checked on 2 November 2026.

For a hurricane, keep at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, and enough ready-to-eat food that needs little or no cooking, water or refrigeration. The National Weather Service’s minimum is 3 days of food, water and medicine for each person. The CDC goes further: a two-week food supply at home, or three days if you plan to evacuate, and a 2-week water supply if possible. Ready.gov warns you may not have access to supplies for days or even weeks after a storm.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the Eastern Pacific season starts May 15. The National Weather Service says to get your supplies together before the season begins.

Water

The CDC says to consider storing more for hot climates, pregnant women and people who are sick, and hurricane season is hot. Ready.gov says water needs can double in very hot temperatures. Pets need water too.

The CDC calls store-bought bottled water the safest and most reliable emergency supply. If you fill your own containers, use food-grade containers, label them, and replace the water every 6 months. Our water storage calculator works out the bottles or jugs for your household.

Food

Pick foods your family will actually eat, and that work with no power. Commercially canned food can be eaten cold.

Ready to eat:

• canned meat, chicken and tuna
• canned beans, chili and soup
• canned fruit and vegetables
• peanut butter and crackers
• dry cereal and granola
• protein or fruit bars
• dried fruit and nuts
• shelf-stable milk and canned juices

Also pack:

• a manual can opener
• knives, forks and spoons
• paper plates, cups and towels
• baby food or formula, if you need them. Ready-to-feed is the safest choice if your water might not be safe
• food for any special diets. If someone in your home has diabetes, the CDC suggests juice boxes as a quick-acting source of sugar, and complex carb snacks
• pet food

The food storage calculator turns your household and days into a shopping list, with a no-cooking option.

Charcoal grills and camp stoves are for outdoor use only. Use them outside, away from the house, and only once the storm has passed.

A timeline

Before the season. Buy the long-lasting supplies when stores are calm. Put an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer. Check your emergency kit checklist.

When a hurricane watch is issued. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible, and the CDC says it comes 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected. Use this time to finish your shopping and get ready.

• Fill prescriptions.
• Have cash on hand.
• Fill up your vehicle.
• Charge phones and backup batteries.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.
• Freeze containers of water and gel packs. Freeze milk, leftovers and meat you won’t need right away.
• Group food together in the freezer.

When a hurricane warning is issued. A warning means hurricane-force winds are expected, and it comes 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds. Evacuate if you’re told to. If you’re staying:

• Fill clean containers with drinking water, in case you lose your supply.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
• Move food up onto shelves, away from where flood water could reach it.
• Check the battery in your carbon monoxide detector.

When the power goes out

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, and a half-full one for about 24.

Eat the refrigerated food first, then the freezer food, and save the pantry for last. The power outage food checker goes through it food by food, and how long a freezer stays cold has the refreezing chart.

If you use a generator, only run it outside and more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, never in a home or garage. Never heat your home with a gas oven.

After the storm: what to throw out

Refrigerated food. Discard perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after 4 hours without power.

Anything flood water touched. The USDA says not to eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. Discard:

• food in containers that aren’t waterproof, including screw caps, snap lids, pull tops and crimped caps
• cardboard juice, milk and baby formula boxes
• home-canned food
• cans that are swollen, leaking, punctured, deeply rusted or crushed

Undamaged all-metal cans and retort pouches can be saved if you clean and sanitize them properly. The USDA’s guide has the steps.

Water. Listen for local notices about whether your water is safe. Use bottled water that hasn’t been in flood water. If you need to treat water, boil it at a rolling boil for 1 minute, or 3 minutes above 5,000 feet. The CDC says water that smells or looks unusual, or that may be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals, can’t be made safe, so find another source.

Never taste food to check it. When in doubt, throw it out.