Free tool
Emergency Water & Food Calculator
How much emergency water and food does your household need? Enter who you are feeding and for how long. The math follows Ready.gov's one-gallon rule and common calorie planning numbers.
What that looks like
How the calculator works
Water: Ready.gov recommends at least one gallon per person per day, which covers drinking and basic hygiene. The calculator uses that number for everyone and doubles it if you tick the hot-climate box, because Ready.gov notes that needs can double in very hot temperatures. Pets use a rule of thumb of about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, rounded up for spills. Ask your vet if your animal has special needs.
Food: we plan in calories, not cans. The rule of thumb is about 2,000 calories per adult per day and 1,400 for a child. The example basket splits those calories across grains, canned meals, peanut butter and snacks so you get some protein and fat, not just rice.
Storing water? Read how much water to store and how to store it, then how to make water safe to drink. Building the food side? Start with the 2-week emergency food supply list and the best canned foods for storage.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do I need per person per day in an emergency?
Ready.gov recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and basic hygiene, for at least several days. Children, nursing mothers, sick people and anyone in a hot climate may need more, and in very hot weather needs can double.
How many calories should an emergency food supply have?
A common planning rule of thumb is about 2,000 calories per adult per day and around 1,400 for a young child. Active adults, teenagers and people working in the cold need more. Plan with food your household already eats.
How long should an emergency supply last?
Ready.gov asks households to be ready for at least several days. Many state and local agencies now recommend two weeks. Start with three days, then build toward two weeks.