Emergency supply calculator: How much do I need for my household?
This calculator creates a concrete water and shopping list from your number of people, children, pets, and desired supply duration (default: 7 days). The basis is the government recommendation (FONES 'Smart Tips – Emergency Supply', FOCP/Alertswiss): 9 litres of water per person for the first three days and a food supply for approx. one week. The water quantity is official; the individual food quantities are traceable guideline values from PrepperGuide, not official figures.
Your emergency supply
Drinking water (official): 84 litres for 4 people · 7 days
| Item | Quantity | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 84.0 Litre | official (water) |
| Juices / beverages | 5.6 Litre | guideline (food) |
| Pasta / rice / grains | 5.6 kg | guideline (food) |
| Oil / fat | 0.8 Litre | guideline (food) |
| Canned meat / fish | 20 cans | guideline (food) |
| Pulses | 9 cans | guideline (food) |
| Canned vegetables | 17 cans | guideline (food) |
| Canned fruit | 9 cans | guideline (food) |
| Ready-made tomato sauce | 9 packs | guideline (food) |
| Ready meals | 14 portions | guideline (food) |
| Ready-made soups | 14 portions | guideline (food) |
| UHT / condensed milk | 5.6 Litre | guideline (food) |
| Hard cheese | 1.1 kg | guideline (food) |
| Sugar / jam / honey | 1.1 kg | guideline (food) |
| Rusk / crispbread | 1.0 kg | guideline (food) |
| Chocolate | 0.7 kg | guideline (food) |
| Dried fruit / nuts | 0.7 kg | guideline (food) |
| Coffee / cocoa / tea | 50 g | guideline (food) |
| Salt / stock cubes / spices | 1 packs | guideline (food) |
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Frequently asked questions
How much water do I need per person?
The government recommends 9 litres of drinking water per person – that's equivalent to a six-pack (6 × 1.5 L) and covers about three days for drinking and cooking. Mathematically, that's about 3 litres per person per day. For a full week, the calculator accordingly plans about 20 litres per person.
For how many days should I stock up?
The official Swiss recommendation is a food supply for about one week (7 days); the 9-litre water quantity covers the first three days. The calculator uses 7 days as the standard, but you can adjust the duration freely. The often-cited "72 hours" is not an official Swiss requirement.
Does the tool count children as adults?
Yes – for safety, to ensure you never plan too tight. Switzerland has no official child factor. The water quantity remains full for children because children must not become dehydrated. For infants, also plan special nutrition, nappies and water for mixing.
Does the calculator include pets?
Yes. "Pet food" is part of the official emergency supply list. Because there is no official quantity per animal, the calculator reminds you to plan pet food and water for the chosen duration – best according to the feeding recommendation on the packaging. Also remember medicines and, for cats, cat litter.
Are the displayed food quantities official?
No. Only the water quantity is officially specified. For rice, oil, canned goods and so on, the government provides only categories, no gram or can figures. Our quantities are traceable guideline values based on typical serving sizes – intended as a starting point that you adapt to your household.
What else besides food and water belongs in an emergency supply?
The government also mentions: battery-operated radio, torch with spare batteries, candles and matches/lighter, gas cartridges for a camping stove and toiletries (soap, toilet paper). Also useful: a first aid kit and some cash in small denominations. This calculator focuses on water and food.