By Nancy Hiser
Water will have many uses following an emergency: drinking, cooking, sanitation.
Why is water important?
• You can live many days without food but not without water.
• A normally active person should drink 2 quarts every day, up to double that when it’s hot or you are physically active. A major disaster may cut off or contaminate your water supply.
How much water to store?
• 1 gallon per person per day for 14 days. You will need half of this for drinking and half for food preparation and sanitation. For a family of four, store 56 gallons.
How to store water?
• Use containers that won’t break or decompose. Plastic containers with the triangular recycling symbol and the number 1 are recommended. Wash the container with soap and warm water and fill from the tap. Seal tightly.
• Label with the date so you can replace the water every six months. Store containers in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Check with local suppliers for containers. Many people prefer stackable containers. Consider the weight of the water when you decide on sizes: 5 gallons of water weighs 42 pounds.
• Don’t forget – store water in your car and at work.
Already done all of this? Great, add a water purification pump, such as a personal or family size Lifestraw, to your supplies!