Three-Day Food Rules for Emergency Bags

Residents in Bexar County must now follow strict guidelines to pack emergency food for the first 72 hours of a disaster. The initial three days after a natural event are the most dangerous period for survival. Local advice urges families to stop guessing what to pack and start using a specific nutritional checklist.

The required list includes exactly three liters of bottled water. Families should also add canned proteins that open easily without tools. Specific examples include tuna, salmon, sardines, and cooked beans. These items provide the necessary sustenance when power and gas may be unavailable.

High-calorie foods form the second part of the kit. The source recommends energy bars and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and peanuts. Salty crackers and simple carbohydrates are also included to maintain blood sugar levels. Chocolate and candy serve as quick energy sources for stressed individuals.

Storage methods matter as much as the food itself. All cardboard and plastic packaging must go inside zip-top bags. This step prevents items from spoiling if rain or flooding soaks the backpack. Each adult, infant, and pet needs their own separate supplies. This includes specific medications, infant formula, and canned pet food.

Selection rules filter out common kitchen staples. Food must have a shelf life of at least six months. Items that require refrigeration or cooking are excluded. The kit should not include food that needs hot water added, assuming a lack of utilities. Calories should be high to support physical and mental effort during the crisis.

Weight limits determine how many items fit in the bag. A backpack should not weigh more than 10% to 15% of the carrier's body weight. Every family member must carry their own individual pack. This ensures no one is left behind if the group splits up during an evacuation.