How much water and food to stock in Hungary? Official advice

Short answer. Hungary publishes no general multi-day household stockpile target. For sheltering indoors in a nuclear emergency, which can last 1-2 days, the disaster management authority BM OKF counts drinking water at 3-4 litres per person per day ("ivóvíz, naponta fejenként 3-4 literrel számolva") ¹. For evacuation, it recommends a pack of no more than 20 kg with 2-3 days of food ¹.

Is there an official stockpile target in Hungary?

No general one. Unlike countries that ask households to hold out for a set number of days, Hungary's guidance is tied to specific situations ¹². BM OKF publishes two lists: what to have at home if you must shelter indoors during a nuclear emergency, and what to pack if you are evacuated ¹². The full item list is on our official supply list page.

How much water should I keep?

For sheltering indoors in a nuclear emergency, BM OKF counts 3-4 litres of drinking water per person per day ¹. Sheltering may last up to 1-2 days ¹. In an evacuation pack, it lists 1 litre of drinking water, tea or soft drink, and at least 1 litre of drinking water per person for stays of one or more nights ¹². For a short evacuation of 3-6 hours, it advises 1 litre of water per person in summer ².

General background: How much water do you need per person? and How do you make water safe to drink?

What food should I keep?

For sheltering, BM OKF lists food, mainly pre-packaged products and canned goods, without a quantity ¹. For the evacuation pack, it lists non-perishable food such as canned goods for 2-3 days, aiming for 3,000-3,600 calories per day ¹. See also How long does emergency food keep?

What goes in the evacuation pack?

The pack should weigh no more than 20 kg and carry your name and address ¹. It includes identity documents, valuables, cash, savings book and bank card; food for 2-3 days; drinking water; seasonal footwear, outerwear and underwear; regularly used medicines and medical aids, noting any drug allergy; and a blanket, sleeping bag or air mattress, with a portable radio if available ¹². For a short evacuation of 3-6 hours, take water and the medicines due in the next hours, milk or formula for infants and a favourite object for small children ².

Related guides: What goes in a 72-hour emergency kit? and Which documents should you keep ready?

What else is on the sheltering list?

Besides food and water, BM OKF lists a change of clothes and shoes, plastic bags for contaminated items and rubbish, blankets, necessary medicines, cleaning and hygiene products, a battery radio with spare batteries, emergency lighting, a first-aid kit and adhesive tape, which can also seal doors and windows ¹. The radio matters: in a nuclear emergency, orders are broadcast on Kossuth Rádió ¹.

Frequently asked questions

Does Hungary recommend a 72-hour or 14-day stock?

No. Hungary publishes no general multi-day household stockpile target ¹. Its lists cover sheltering indoors in a nuclear emergency and evacuation ¹².

How long might I have to stay indoors?

BM OKF says sheltering indoors during a nuclear emergency may last up to 1-2 days ¹. Follow the instructions broadcast on Kossuth Rádió ¹.

How heavy can the evacuation pack be?

No more than 20 kg, labelled with your name and address ¹.

What should I take for a baby?

For a short evacuation, BM OKF lists one bottle of milk or formula for infants and a favourite object for small children ². See also How do you prepare vulnerable people for an emergency?

Sources

1. BM Országos Katasztrófavédelmi Főigazgatóság — Katasztrófatípusok - Nukleáris veszély — https://www.katasztrofavedelem.hu/300/katasztrofatipusok-nuklearis-veszely (accessed 2026-10-20)
2. BM Országos Katasztrófavédelmi Főigazgatóság — Katasztrófatípusok - Magatartási szabályok kitelepítés esetén — https://www.katasztrofavedelem.hu/311/katasztrofatipusok-magatartasi-szabalyok-kitelepites-eseten (accessed 2026-10-20)