Situation overview
Water and food concerns
Pick the scenario that most closely matches your situation to find the right guide.
Immediate danger or serious illness? Contact local emergency services first. This page is a general information resource, not emergency guidance.
Which applies to you?
Your water supplier has issued an official boil-water advisory
Boil-Water Advisory Survival: What to Do When the Tap Becomes Unsafe
Only for an official boil-water advisory. A do-not-drink or do-not-use advisory is different; boiling does not remove chemical contamination. Follow your water utility's exact instructions.
Tap is off, dry, or under a do-not-drink or do-not-use advisory
This is a different situation from a boil-water advisory. Boiling does not make do-not-drink or do-not-use water safe. Follow your water utility's exact guidance and check with local emergency management for official advice.
You are planning how to store drinking water in a home with limited space
Emergency Water Storage for Apartments: How Much to Keep and Where to Put It
A planning guide for preparing in advance. This does not address running out of water right now.
Food supplies are running low
No single guide covers every household food shortage. The Water & food topic archive lists all published articles on food safety, preparation, and storage. Browse to find what fits your situation.
Browse the Water & food archive →The topic page lists every water and food guide, including water safety, storage, and food preparation.