Two Week Bug In

This checklist covers two weeks at home for a family when the power is out, the stores are empty or help is slow to come. Start with the Vital column: water, food you already eat, light, medicine and the safety basics. Add the Recommended items to stay comfortable and healthy, and the Optional ones to ride out a longer or harder stretch. Most of it is already in your home; the list shows what is missing.

Plan on one gallon of water per person per day, so a family of four needs 56 gallons for two weeks, plus water for pets.