Tips include:

     There are some other essential items you will need including a can opener, as well as scissors or a knife for cutting open foil and plastic pouches. Be sure and include disposable plates, cups and utensils. Pack all these items in plastic bags to keep them dry and as airtight as possible (zipper closures work well).

     Be sure to keep a list of dates when the food items need to be inspected and possibly rotated (used and then replaced with newly purchased items).

     Water is also a crucial part of this three-day supply. The following are the latest recommendations:

u To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it's recommended you purchase
commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and don't open it until you need to use it.

u If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles.

u Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the solution with clean water.

u Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you don't need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you're using comes from a well or water source that isn't treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place. Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.

u Do not use plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars can't be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, don't use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.

u Store one gallon of water per person per day.