How much water is ideal to provide per person per day in emergency planning?

• A. 2 gallons
• B. 3 gallons
• C. 5 gallons
• D. 4 gallons

Answer: (D)

Water needs in an emergency go beyond just drinking; you plan for drinking, cooking, and maintaining sanitation and hygiene. A practical planning figure is 4 gallons per person per day: about 1 gallon for drinking, 1 gallon for cooking and food prep, and roughly 2 gallons for hygiene and sanitation (handwashing, dishwashing, and basic toilet needs). This conservative total helps reduce disease risk and keeps people healthier in crowded shelters or mass care situations where normal water supplies may be disrupted. Real needs can vary with climate, age, or activity, but 4 gallons per person per day is the commonly used target in emergency planning.