Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-place preparedness is designed for situations in which you remain at home while water, power, heat, transportation, or other essential services are unavailable. Because you are not carrying your supplies, you can store more water, food, sanitation equipment, lighting, backup power, and heating resources than you could in a portable emergency kit. Water is usually the most important constraint, with a common planning target of approximately one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Store shelf-stable foods your household already eats, along with an off-grid cooking method and a manual can opener. Plan for sanitation as carefully as food and water, since toilets and sinks may stop functioning when water service fails. A strong home emergency supply should also include safe lighting, seasonal temperature protection, first aid, medications, and a reliable way to receive emergency news.