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Quick answer
Store food and water your household will actually use. The point is to get through disruptions, not audition for a bunker documentary.
Food basics
- Pick shelf-stable foods your household already eats.
- Include a manual can opener.
- Account for infants, allergies, dietary needs, and pets.
- Store simple cooking options if safe and appropriate.
- Rotate before expiry.
Water basics
Follow official guidance for emergency water amounts and local advisories. Keep extra for pets, hygiene, and medical needs where possible.
Official sources used
Food and drinking water safety in an emergency
Health Canada
Official fridge/freezer outage time windows and discard guidance.
Public Safety Canada / Canada.ca
Canadian 72-hour household preparedness baseline.