How many days should you plan for?
Germany’s BBK recommends being able to support yourself for ten days where possible. Even three days of supplies help. Check what you already have before buying more.
Plan water first
For adults, use two litres per person per day as a guide: 1.5 litres for drinking and 0.5 litres for cooking. Add individual extra needs and water for pets. The calculator on this page uses this guideline.
Choose suitable food
Choose long-lasting food your household enjoys. Include food that can be eaten without cooking. Consider allergies, young children and pets.
Rotate your supplies
Use items with shorter shelf lives first and replace them during regular shopping. Keep storage organised and check your stock regularly.
Which foods belong on an emergency supplies list?
Choose food you tolerate and enjoy in everyday life. Options include shelf-stable grain products, ready-to-eat pulses, suitably preserved fruit and vegetables and appropriate protein sources. Include some food that needs neither refrigeration nor cooking. Follow preparation and storage instructions: not every canned food is ready to eat without cooking.
How much stock do two people or a family need?
Quantities depend on people, duration and individual needs. The water guideline for two adults gives 12 litres for three days or 40 litres for ten days, including cooking water. Account separately for children, pets and individual extra needs. The calculator above works out the adult guideline and subtracts your existing stock.
Preparing food supplies for a power outage: what changes?
Check how you would use the food, as well as how you can store it. Rice and pasta usually need water and a way to cook. Add foods that their packaging confirms can be eaten directly. Remember a manual can opener. Keep lighting and a battery-powered radio ready alongside your food supplies.
How can I start with a small budget and limited space?
Check existing stock and add items gradually during regular shopping. Buy small amounts of things you already use. Choose suitable, organised storage spaces and follow temperature, moisture and packaging instructions. You do not need an expensive complete kit or a dedicated stockroom.
Does this checklist replace personal needs planning?
No. It is a starting point, not a complete nutritional or medical calculation. Consider special diets, allergies, infant needs and pet food individually. Your free RedScore account lets you add custom stock items and quantities, record existing supplies and return to update them later.
Turn a guideline into your actual stock
RedScore lets you record water containers and food in days of supply. Add your own items with quantities and units. Your household and stock stay linked to your account; this public calculator does not store your entries.
Official source
BBK recommendations (German) ↗
Federal Centre for Nutrition: household food preparedness (German) ↗
RedScore is an independent service. There is no official partnership. Follow official warnings and instructions in an emergency.