Emergency Water Supply – As I am sure you are aware, there are many disasters facing our families each and every day. While we cannot see the future, we can prepare for some of our basic needs if we find ourselves facing an emergency.
While many of us are not experts in survival preparations, we are all aware of the things we need to get through most average days. When we take into consideration that any disaster would not be an average day we can imagine a little better how to prepare. We would need food, water, and shelter on hand at the very least. We would also need to store these supplies. In this article we are going to focus on the emergency water supply.
Obvious items like water seem simple but a little planning is necessary. Being clear about your needs will save time and expense. How many people are you planning for? What are the water requirements necessary for this number of people? Leading experts suggest one to two gallons of potable water per day for each person in your home as a good amount. Drink enough water to ensure each member stays hydrated and the body can function properly (two quarts or a half gallon per day). You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. A two week period supply for each member of your family is recommended. It is also smart to have a purification system or device to purify water to aid in long-term situations where you may be using a stream or rainwater as a source.
Your drinking water is best commercially packaged in bottles or pouches and not opened until it is ready for use. Stay mindful of the expiration date. However if you choose to prepare your own water here are some tips.
1) Be sure to use food grade storage containers from camping or surplus stores or sites. You can easily find water storage bottles in varying gallon sizes online.
2) If you decide to reuse containers, please limit it to 2 liter plastic soft drink bottles, not milk or juice bottles. Sugars and proteins cannot always be removed completely from these bottles. Bacteria can be formed once a liquid or water is added. Cans and cardboard containers leak easily and are not designed for long term use. Glass can be heavy and easily broken.
3) Thoroughly clean any water storage bottle with dish washing detergent and rinse completely of residue. Sanitize plastic bottles with a teaspoon of non-scented bleach and a quart of water. Shake so solution touches inside completely. Rinse thoroughly of sanitizer with clean water.
4) Fill container to the top and recap with original cap. Avoid touching the interior of cap. If you receive your water from the city treatment plant it is already treated. If you are using well water, add two drops of non scented bleach to the water.
5) Date the bottle and store in a cool, dry place. Replace drinking water every six months, if not commercially bottled.
If you are thinking bigger there are many sites online that provide large in-ground storage kits and options like a water tank or barrels that will fit your needs.