Food & Water

The order that matters

Water first — three days without it harms you faster than three weeks without food. Store water, then build a food reserve from meals you already eat, then learn to keep both safe when the power is out.

Water StorageHow much, in what, for how long. Food Storage BasicsA two-week shelf that rotates with your kitchen. Food Safety, No PowerThe fridge clock and the 40°F rule. Growing BasicsSun, soil, and the easiest first crops. PreservationFreeze, can, dry, and cellar safely. CookingOne-pot meals and ratios that work off-grid.

Quick numbers worth memorizing

1 gallon (4 L) per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene — half drinking, half food/washing.
3 days minimum, 2 weeks better as the storage target for both water and food.
4 hours: how long a closed fridge keeps food safe once power dies.
40 °F (4 °C): the line perishable food must stay below.
Treat any unknown water before use — see Water Treatment.

The full loop now lives here: stored water, a rotating food reserve, outage safety, and the grow-preserve-cook guides above. Livestock and foraging ship in a later pass.