Drip. Drip. Drip. Yeah, it’s a sound we all take for granted. Water sustains life. We use it to drink, cook, wash, shower, clean, and more…everyday. In our modern world we simply turn the faucet for instant access.

For my inaugural post, I thought it would be appropriate to address the most vital element of emergency preparedness. In part 1 of 2 posts, we’ll focus on the importance of storing water and rotating a steady supply. In another post, we’ll address water sanitation and filtration.

Long-Term Water Storage

To begin, most experts say you should store 1 gallon of water per person per day.  This is definitely more than needed to survive, but it provides a sufficient amount to be relatively comfortable.  A minimum of 3-days of water per person would be a great start.  For households and small businesses, there are three basic sizes and options for water storage:

1. SMALL: PET water bottles (the kind soda or liters of water come in)
   This is an entry level approach, but they can be easily stored and transported.  If you store them in an extra freezer, they can be used to keep your refrigerator cool in the event of a power failure.
2. MEDIUM: 5-7 gallon tanks with handles.
   These are just the right size for easy portability and usage.  Anything larger than 7 gallons, will be difficult to move and pour.
3. LARGE: 50-60 gallon drums and tanks
   These are ideal for long-term storage if you have the space to store them.  Just make sure you have a good pump or know how to siphon water.

Short-Term Water Storage

Thunderstorms and other predictable emergencies allow us enough time to supplement our water storage just hours before.  Here are a few ideas:

1. Fill your bathtub(s)
   This is the easiest to do.  You won’t drink this unless your situation is more extreme, but it can be used to wash and flush toilets.
2. Fill large buckets, containers and coolers
   Everyone’s situation is different, but most of us have something laying around that can be filled.
3. Fill trash bags (2 or 3 deep depending on the durability)
   This works well as a backup for step 2.  They can be placed just about anywhere, but keeping them outside would be advisable in case of a leaky bag.

Collecting Water

Of course, eventually you may run out of water storage (or never have it in the first place!).   In this case, you’ll want to be familiar with the closest water sources.  This varies greatly based on location, but here are some ideas:

INSIDE

1. your hot-water tank
2. pipes and faucets
3. ice cubes

OUTSIDE

1. rain gutters
2. rivers, streams, ponds, lakes
3. natural springs and wells

Be Water Wise

It only takes a few days for the average person to die without water.  Be wise.