Food & Water Safety During Wildfires

Water Safety

• Use bottled, boiled, or stored water if local water supplies may be contaminated by ash, chemicals, or infrastructure damage.
• Avoid collecting rainwater during active fires—it may contain toxic ash or airborne pollutants.
• Turn off ice makers and discard ice made after the fire started if your water source is compromised.
• If you must use tap water, treat it with a certified filter, boil it for at least 1 minute, or use water purification tablets.

Food Safety

• Eat only sealed, non-perishable food stored in airtight containers.
• Discard any food—even if sealed—that was stored near heat, chemicals, smoke, or soot.
• Rinse fresh produce with clean water before use, or avoid it if water safety is uncertain.
• Do not eat food with unusual smells, colors, or textures, even if packaging looks intact.
• Refrigerated or frozen food may no longer be safe after a power outage—use a thermometer to ensure it stayed below 40°F (4°C).

Additional Tips

• Keep at least a 3-day supply of emergency food and water per person (1 gallon of water per person per day).
• Store food and water away from potential contamination (smoke, ash, or hazardous chemicals).
• If in doubt, throw it out—food and water safety is critical during and after wildfire events.