An earthquake, flood or storm may result in loss of electricity, water, and natural gas supplies. Damage to roads can hinder delivery of food. In a big disaster, it could be several days or longer before even basic services are restored.
Experts advise that everyone keep at least a three-day supply of emergency food and water.
If you live in an earthquake-prone area, store the emergency supplies as close to an outside door as is feasible. Keep a small version of the disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car. It's important to have food on hand which doesn't need refrigeration and can be eaten with little or no cooking. Store foods familiar to you - a crisis is not a time to learn to eat new foods. Canned foods are most likely to survive the damage of a flood or earthquake and still be usable.