Storing water for emergency use is critical for people using municipal water supplies as that communal resource can be exhausted quickly during an emergency. Severe flooding, power failures, and even large fires can quickly deplete a city's water supply. Having a backup supply of water is essential.
How Not to Store Water
Many so-called survivalist experts on the internet will tell you to buy as many water bottles as you can and store them in a closet; this is no way to store water in the long term.
The problem with commercially available single use water bottles and the larger blue water cooler bottles is that those plastics have the potential to leech harmful chemicals into the water.
Commercially available disposable water bottles are not meant to be used for long term storage which is why they have expiration dates. If you do intend to store water in these types of containers be sure to follow the expiration dates carefully.
You also cannot store water in certain kinds of plastic containers, like used milk cartons, because they are not designed for this purpose and could lead to contamination.
How to Store Water
Storing water for long term use is quite simple if you take the proper steps and have the right equipment.
When you prepare your emergency water store be sure to use food-grade quality containers. You can find these containers at camping supply stores or on the internet quite easily. These are the only type of plastic containers you should use for long term storage because they are specifically designed for this purpose.
If you use municipal water that is chlorinated all you have to do is clean and sanitize your containers, fill them, and seal them; if you use well water however you will need to increase the chlorine content. The Red Cross recommends adding two-drops of non-scented bleach to water that has not been treated to ensure that bacteria cannot grow.
Things to remember
The following is list of things to remember about storing water.
The average person needs at least 3 gallons of water a day; 1 ½ for drinking and 1 ½ for sanitation and cooking. This is the minimum requirement however, prepare more if possible.
Store enough water for 1 at least one week of survival for every member in your household.
Do not store water in glass containers because they are fragile and could break.
Periodically check your water supply for contamination. If you notice a stranger odor or color; be sure to discard the tainted water and replenish your supply.
Don't forget about your pets! Be sure to include water for them when you are storing water.
When an emergency starts be sure to fill all of your sinks, tubs, and other containers to supplement your emergency water rations (as long as the emergency hasn't contaminated the local water supply).
Keep your stored water out of direct sun light and in a place that does not get too hot because the heat encourages the growth of bacteria.
Be sure to keep your supplies in a place were your water won't freeze in cold weather.
Conclusion
Hopefully you will never have to use your emergency water supply but having one on hand will not only give you peace of mind but a fighting chance in the event of an emergency. For more information be sure to visit the Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Agency websites!
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