When preparing for a disaster, it is important to provide for an adequate supply of water for drinking and cooking. In natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes, the municipal water supply is likely to be disrupted. Ice storms and other emergencies can cause a loss of electrical power, leaving well pumps unable to function.

Even if foods can be heated at work on a burner, in an oven, or in a microwave, carried meals need cool temperatures until meal time.