Short answer. South Africa has no national supply target. The City of Cape Town asks households to keep enough supplies "to survive for at least three days during a disaster", including five litres of water per person per day for drinking, cleaning and hygiene 1. The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre adds a short grab-and-go kit with medication, documents, cash and a cellphone recharger 2.
How many days should a South African household prepare for?
At least three days, according to the City of Cape Town: "You should have enough supplies on hand for you and your family to survive for at least three days during a disaster" 1. No national figure from the National Disaster Management Centre was found. Three days is a minimum, not a ceiling; our two-week supplies guide explains why some agencies abroad ask for more.
How much water per person?
Five litres per person per day, for drinking, cleaning and personal hygiene, for at least three days 1.
| Household | Water for 3 days (5 L/person/day) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 15 litres |
| 2 people | 30 litres |
| 4 people | 60 litres |
Our guides on water per person and water storage containers cover storage and rotation.
What food does Cape Town recommend?
Non-perishable food such as tinned food, cereal bars, nuts and biscuits, enough for at least three days for your family, and a non-electric can opener 1. See our guide on food shelf life for rotation.
What else belongs in the supplies?
The City of Cape Town also lists a battery-powered AM/FM radio and a torch or lantern, both with extra batteries; a basic first aid kit; a whistle; matches or a gas lighter; clothing and strong shoes; blankets or a sleeping bag; a local map; pen and paper; hygiene supplies; essential medication with copies of prescriptions; cash and cards; and important documents 1. The full list is on the official kit page.
Cape Town advises keeping a kit at home and, if possible, at work 1.
What is the Western Cape grab-and-go kit?
The provincial disaster centre's short kit covers a basic first aid kit, essential medication and copies of prescriptions, cash and cards, important documents (ID, passports, birth certificates, banking records, insurance policies, clinic cards) and a cellphone recharger 2. Our guide on important documents helps assemble them.
What should Koeberg evacuees take?
Residents near Koeberg Nuclear Power Station are told to take two changes of clothing, a portable radio and batteries, a torch, bedding, toiletries, prescribed medication, documents, a phone charger and contact numbers, but no food except special medical foods 3. Details are on the iodine page.
Frequently asked questions
Is five litres of water a day a national rule?
No. It is the City of Cape Town's recommendation 1; no national figure was found.
Should I keep supplies at work too?
Cape Town advises a kit at home and, if possible, at work 1.
Why no food for Koeberg evacuation?
Eskom's calendar tells evacuees to bring no food except special medical foods 3; the plan relies on mass care centres (see public shelters).
Where can I plan for my family?
The City of Cape Town's Disaster Guidelines include a Family Disaster Preparedness Guidelines plan to fill in 1. Our family plan guide is a complement.
Sources
- City of Cape Town — Disaster guidelines — https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/natural-disasters-and-your-home/disaster-guidelines (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Western Cape Government (Provincial Disaster Management Centre), 18 June 2025 — Western Cape Government urges residents to be safe during winter season — https://www.westerncape.gov.za/article/western-cape-government-urges-residents-be-safe-during-winter-season (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Eskom — 2026 Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Emergency Plan Calendar — https://www.eskom.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/141-25-Koeberg-Eskom-Calendar-2026.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for South Africa, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- City of Cape Town · Disaster guidelines checked 2026-10-20
- Western Cape Government (Provincial Disaster Management Centre), 18 June 2025 · Western Cape Government urges residents to be safe during winter season checked 2026-10-20
- Eskom · 2026 Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Emergency Plan Calendar checked 2026-10-20