Preparing for Emergencies - Water

Water is the most important thing to consider when making emergency plans. It has been said that one can live 3 min without air, 3 hrs without shelter, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.

Water is necessary for drinking, cooking, cleaning, first aid and sanitation. The average person normally uses 70 gallons per day, but in an emergency FEMA recommends storing a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day. If one had to make a choice between storing water or food choose water.

The easiest way to buy and store water is in 16.9 oz plastic bottles (500 ml). 40 bottles for $3-4.00 dollars from Sam’s Club/Costco, etc., would provide 20 liters (5.28 gallons) or about 5 days worth for one person. It’s recommended we all have at least a 2 week, and preferably one month supply (so six of the 40 bottle cases per person per month.) The cases can be stored anywhere in the house or garage, preferably in cooler areas, and can be easily broken down into the 72 hour kits if you have to move.

Water can be stored in larger containers also, 1 gallon up to 250 gallons. These are sometimes offered at Macy’s, or other stores like the church storehouse or other emergency preparedness stores.