10 Essential Tips for Storing Water in an Emergency
When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a plan in place for storing clean, safe water is crucial. Natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies can cut off access to tap water, making it important to have a backup plan for obtaining and storing this vital resource.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 tips for storing water safely and effectively in an emergency situation. From storing tap water in clean, food-grade containers to collecting rainwater and using water filtration systems, there are many ways to ensure that you have access to clean, safe water in an emergency.
We’ll also discuss the importance of treating and rotating stored water to keep it fresh and safe to drink, as well as the benefits of keeping an emergency water supply kit on hand.
Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting to put together an emergency plan, these tips will help you ensure that you have a reliable source of water in case of an emergency. By following these guidelines, you can give yourself and your family peace of mind knowing that you have a plan in place to access clean, safe water when you need it most.
Tip 1: Store tap water in clean, food-grade containers
One of the simplest and most effective ways to store water in an emergency is to use clean, food-grade containers to hold tap water. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but it’s important to store it in containers that are specifically designed for holding food and beverages.
This will help prevent contamination of the water and ensure that it stays safe to drink. When choosing containers to store tap water in, look for ones made of plastic, glass, or stainless steel.
Avoid using containers that have previously held toxic substances, as these may leach chemicals into the water. It’s also a good idea to rinse out the containers with hot water before filling them with water, to ensure that they are clean.
Tip 2: Treat stored water to kill bacteria and other contaminants
Even if you start with clean, safe tap water, it’s important to treat the water before storing it to kill any bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that may be present. There are several ways to do this, including using water treatment tablets, such as chlorine or iodine, or boiling the water for at least one minute.
Water treatment tablets are a convenient and effective way to purify stored water, as they are easy to use and have a long shelf life. To use them, simply follow the instructions on the package and add the recommended amount of tablets to the water. Boiling water is another effective method for purifying it, but it requires heat and fuel, which may not be available in an emergency situation.
Tip 3: Store water in a cool, dark place
Water should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent algae growth and keep it fresh. High temperatures and sunlight can cause algae to grow in stored water, which can give it a bad taste and make it less appealing to drink. Storing water in a basement, crawl space, or other cool, dark location can help keep it fresh and prevent algae growth.
Tip 4: Label and rotate stored water regularly
It’s important to label stored water with the date it was treated and stored, and to rotate it every six months to ensure that it stays fresh. Rotating water involves using the oldest water first and replacing it with fresh water. This helps prevent the water from becoming stagnant and ensures that it is safe to drink.
Labeling the water with the date it was stored can help you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensure that you are using the oldest water first. This is especially important if you are storing a large amount of water, as it can be easy to lose track of how long it has been stored.
Tip 5: Consider storing water in large containers
Storing water in large containers, such as barrels or tanks, can help minimize the amount of space needed for water storage. These types of containers can also be easily refilled from a tap or other source in case of an emergency.
If you choose to store water in large containers, be sure to clean and treat the water before filling the containers. It’s also a good idea to label the containers with the date they were filled and to rotate the water regularly to ensure that it stays fresh.
Tip 6: Use a water filtration system to purify water
In some emergency situations, the water source may be questionable, making it important to purify the water before drinking it. One way to do this is by using a water filtration system, such as a gravity-fed filter or a portable filter. These systems are designed to remove contaminants from water, making it safe to drink.
Gravity-fed filters use gravity to force the water through a series of filters, removing contaminants as it flows. These types of filters are effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, and they are easy to use.
Portable filters are another option, and these are designed to be carried with you in case of an emergency. These filters work by using a pump to force the water through a filter, removing contaminants as it flows.
Tip 7: Keep a supply of bottled water on hand
Bottled water can be a convenient and easy-to-use option for emergency water storage. It’s important to store bottled water in a cool, dark place and to rotate it every six months to ensure that it stays fresh. Avoid storing bottled water in direct sunlight or in a location where the temperature fluctuates, as these conditions can affect the quality of the water.
Tip 8: Collect rainwater for emergency storage
Collecting rainwater for emergency storage is a natural and effective way to have a supply of clean water on hand. Rainwater is naturally purified as it falls from the sky, making it safe to drink without the need for treatment. To collect rainwater, you’ll need a rainwater catchment system, such as a barrel or tank, to hold the water.
When collecting rainwater, be sure to place the catchment system in a location where it will receive plenty of rainfall. You’ll also want to ensure that the system is properly sealed to prevent contamination of the water. Once the system is full, you can use the rainwater for drinking, cooking, and other needs.
Tip 9: Know how to locate and access alternative water sources
In some situations, tap water and stored water may not be available or may not be suitable for drinking. In these cases, it’s important to know how to locate and access alternative water sources. Some possible sources of water in an emergency include natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and streams, and underground sources, such as wells and springs.
If you need to use an alternative water source, it’s important to purify the water before drinking it. There are several ways to do this, including boiling the water, using water treatment tablets, or filtering the water through a filtration system.
Tip 10: Keep an emergency water supply kit on hand
Having an emergency water supply kit can make it easier to access clean, safe water in an emergency. These kits typically include bottled water, water treatment tablets, a water filtration system, and other supplies. Keep the kit in a convenient location, such as a basement or crawl space, and be sure to replace any supplies as needed to ensure that the kit is always ready to use.
Where you can buy the equipment needed for emergency water storage:
There are many places where you can buy the equipment needed for emergency water storage. Some options include:
- Outdoor or camping stores: These types of stores often carry a wide range of water storage equipment, including containers, water treatment tablets, and water filtration systems.
- Hardware stores: Hardware stores may carry some basic water storage equipment, such as containers and water treatment tablets.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in emergency preparedness gear, including water storage equipment. Some popular options include Amazon, REI, and Cabela’s.
- Prepper or survivalist stores: These types of stores are specifically geared towards emergency preparedness and may carry a wide range of water storage equipment.
It’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices to find the best deals on water storage equipment. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and do research on the different products available to ensure that you are getting high-quality equipment that will meet your needs.
Conclusion
Emergency water storage is an important aspect of being prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies. By following these 10 tips, you can store water safely and effectively, ensuring that you have access to clean, safe water when you need it most.
Whether you choose to store tap water, bottled water, or collect rainwater, it’s important to have a plan in place and to regularly rotate and treat the water to keep it fresh and safe to drink.
