Short answer. Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Centre (CENAPRED) asks households to prepare an emergency backpack that will carry them through the first 48 hours after a disaster, sized for two people, plus a reserve box that covers two more days if the emergency continues: about four days in total 1. CENAPRED asks for bottled water for two days but publishes no litres-per-person figure 3.
How many days of supplies does CENAPRED recommend?
Two layers, adding up to about four days:
| Layer | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency backpack (mochila de emergencia) | First 48 hours after a disaster | 1 |
| Reserve box (caja de reserva) | Two more days if the emergency continues | 1 |
| Home stock in the family plan booklet | Canned food and bottled water for two days | 3 |
In CENAPRED's words, the backpack "will help you face the first 48 hours after a disaster", and the reserve box "will let you survive two more days" if the emergency goes on 1.
How many people should the backpack cover?
CENAPRED says the backpack "should be designed for two people" 1. A larger household needs more than one backpack, or a reserve box scaled to the number of people: the official sources give no per-person quantities, so the arithmetic is yours.
How much water per person?
Mexico publishes no official litres-per-person figure. The family plan booklet asks for "canned food and bottled water for two days" and tells you to check expiry dates regularly 3. If you want a reference quantity, our guide how much water to store per person compares the figures published by other agencies; our guide on water storage containers covers how to keep it.
What else goes with the food and water?
The CENAPRED lists add a directory of contacts, hygiene items, two or three changes of clothing, a first-aid kit, a portable radio and flashlight with spare batteries, documents saved on a USB stick, simple tools and cash 1, and, in a second list, a whistle, warm clothing, a copy of the house keys and baby items where needed 2. The full list, item by item, is on our Mexico kit page.
The family plan booklet also lists the contents of a household first-aid kit, including antiseptics, plasters, gauze, a thermometer, water purification tablets or drops and the family's own prescription medicines 3. See our first-aid kit guide.
Where should the supplies be kept?
Keep the backpack where you can reach it easily. Copies of documents can also be stored with a relative who lives elsewhere 3. Our guide on important documents explains what to copy.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mexico recommend 72 hours of supplies?
Not exactly. CENAPRED's model is a backpack for the first 48 hours plus a reserve box for two more days, about four days in total 1. Our 72-hour kit guide compares this with other countries' targets.
Is the backpack for one person or a family?
CENAPRED sizes it for two people 1. Plan additional backpacks or a larger reserve box for bigger households.
How often should I check the food and water?
The family plan booklet asks you to check expiry dates of the canned food and bottled water periodically 3.
Should I plan for longer than four days?
Official Mexican guidance stops at about four days 1. If you choose to store more, our two-week supplies guide explains how other agencies approach it.
Sources
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) — Prepara tu mochila de emergencia. ¡No lo pienses! — https://www.gob.mx/cenapred/articulos/prepara-tu-mochila-de-emergencia-no-lo-pienses (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) — ¡Sácate un 10 en tu mochila de emergencia! — https://www.gob.mx/cenapred/articulos/sacate-un-10-en-tu-mochila-de-emergencia (accessed 2026-10-20)
- CENAPRED / Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana — Elabora tu Plan Familiar de Protección Civil — https://simulacronacional.sspc.gob.mx/PDF/175-FOLLETOPLANFAMILIARDEPROTECCINCIVIL.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
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Sources
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) · Prepara tu mochila de emergencia. ¡No lo pienses! checked 2026-10-20
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) · ¡Sácate un 10 en tu mochila de emergencia! checked 2026-10-20
- CENAPRED / Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana · Elabora tu Plan Familiar de Protección Civil checked 2026-10-20