A phased, realistic plan that starts with 72 hours and builds toward 90 days, with the numbers for water, food and power.
- Build in phases: 72 hours, 2 weeks, 30 days, then 90 days.
- 90 days of water is 360 L per person at 4 L/day, so plan a filter and a source.
- Spread the cost over weeks and rotate stock.
The numbers for one adult
| Period | Water per person | Food (about 2,000 kcal/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 12 L | 6,000 kcal |
| 14 days | 56 L | 28,000 kcal |
| 30 days | 120 L | 60,000 kcal |
| 90 days | 360 L | 180,000 kcal |
At 4 litres a day, 90 days of water is 360 litres per person, which few homes can store. That is why a longer plan relies on a filter and a water source, not only stored water.
Phase 1 (week 1): 72 hours
- Water, no-cook food, light, radio, warmth, medications.
- Print the free 72-hour kit.
Phase 2 (weeks 2 to 3): 2 weeks
- Add stored water and a water filter.
- Extend the pantry to 14 days of foods you actually eat.
- Add a way to cook outdoors safely and a power station if essentials need power.
Phase 3 (weeks 4 to 8): 30 days
- Add bulk staples: rice, beans, oats, pasta, oil, salt and canned goods. Rotate them.
- Add emergency food as backup.
- Think about heat, sanitation, first aid supplies and pet needs.
Phase 4 (weeks 9 to 12): 90 days
- Add solar panels for power, a larger filter system and a long-term heating plan.
- Check storage conditions and dates every six months.
- Talk to neighbours. A community is a better plan than a bunker.
A budget-friendly rhythm
Buy a little extra each week during normal grocery shopping and rotate stock into meals. Spreading the cost is cheaper than buying everything at once, and avoids the shortages that follow warnings in the news.
Quick comparison
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| RReadyWise | Ready-made emergency food kits |
| BBerkey | Countertop gravity filter systems |
| EEcoFlow | Fast charging and expandable systems |
Emergency food as a backup layer.
- Kits sized by days and people
- Compare calories per kit, not servings
- Check allergens and shelf life
Gravity water filtration for longer plans.
- Gravity-fed, no pump needed
- Check which contaminants each model is rated for
- Plan how you will refill and clean it
Larger expandable power systems with solar.
- Markets fast charging, so compare charge times
- Expandable systems in larger sizes
- Check solar input specs
Quick answers
Do I really need 90 days?
Most households do not. It suits remote or rural homes. Stop at the layer that fits your situation.
What is the most overlooked item?
Water. It is heavy and runs out first, so plan a filter and a source.