If an earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado, wildfire, winter storm or other disaster strikes your community, you may be without water, food or electricity for an extended period.
While you can survive for weeks without food, you can’t survive without water for more than a few days.
Storing water for an emergency
For short-term emergencies, use tap water
If you anticipate being without utilities for a short period, like when a weather watch is issued, you can store tap water from your well or municipality. Fill containers and your bathtub. Keep the water reserves inside your house to moderate the temperature. If the storm passes without incident, be thankful and use the water as you normally would. But if your local authorities advise you to evacuate, you may need to take the water with you.
For transportation and storage, use food-grade containers such as empty 2-liter soft drink bottles, or gallon or 5-gallon jugs (such as those used for water coolers). Avoid using containers that have previously stored milk or fruit juice, as they are hard to clean thoroughly and may grow unwanted bacteria. Do not use glass containers, either. Glass is heavier than plastic and breaks easily.
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water is from a public source treated with chlorine, you do not need to add anything to keep it clean. If the water is from a well or a water source that is not treated with chlorine, use regular unscented household bleach to disinfect it. Tightly close the container using the original cap and date the outside of the container so you’ll know when you filled it. Store it in a cool, dark place. Replace the water every six months.
Also, purchase disposable or plastic drinkware that can be stored in its original packaging. If you experience a flood or fire, your dishware will be contaminated. Having to wash drinkware before use will deplete your valuable resource.
Remember to test and disinfect well water after floodwaters recede. If you suspect contamination, contact your health department for advice.
For longer-term emergencies, keep prepackaged water on hand
For unexpected or longer-term emergencies like earthquakes, you may want to stock up on water. Once you have your short-term needs met with water reserves from your tap, consider having more potable water on hand.
Emergency planners suggest having a gallon of water per person per day. If possible, store to two weeks’ worth of water. Though food may be rationed, you should never ration water intake because it can lead to dehydration. Instead, reduce your activity level and sodium intake, and avoid becoming overheated.
If purchasing commercially bottled water, start with 1- or 5-gallon containers. In bulk, this will be less expensive than purchasing large volumes of individual water bottles. They are also generally easier to store, and can be poured into cups or containers as needed. You can also assign gallon containers for each person in your household. This will help you plan out your needs.
You may also purchase packs of 16.9-ounce (1/2 liter) bottles. These bottles can be reused, so you’ll just need one per person if you have larger storage containers for your reserves.
Collecting water during an emergency
Collecting rainwater
Collecting rainwater using rain barrels is another option. Rainwater collected directly from the sky is generally safe to use, but slow to accumulate. Collecting rain from your roof is faster, although you should only use it for flushing toilets or other nonpotable needs. If you must use rainwater for drinking, follow the boiling and bleaching instructions below.
Collecting water from your pipes
You may also use the water in your water tank or pipes. To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the highest faucet in your home. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then collect water from the lowest faucet in the home.
Shut off the incoming water valve to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines. Know the location of the valve and how to shut off the water as part of your emergency plan.
Collecting water from your hot water tank
To use the water in your hot water tank, turn off the electricity or gas. Open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flow by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot water faucet. Refill the tank before turning the gas or electricity back on. If the gas is turned off, a professional will need to turn it back on.
Do not use water from toilets, radiators, swimming pools, hot tubs or spas.
Safely using water reserves
Boiling water
Your area’s health department will determine if tap water is safe for drinking. If the public water supply is compromised in a large-scale emergency, boiling water is the safest way to purify it. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. (Some of it will evaporate.) Let the water cool before drinking.
Boiling water is safer. Boiled water also tastes better. This is because pouring water back and forth between two clean containers introduces oxygen back into it. Boiling will also improve the taste of stored water.
Disinfecting water with liquid bleach
If you can’t boil the water, you can disinfect it with unscented household bleach.
Do not use other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores. If it doesn’t contain 5.25% sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, don’t rely on it.
These guidelines are not difficult to follow, but they do require planning. Don’t wait until you are in an emergency to consider your water needs. You won’t be able to rely on your local supply chain after the shelves have been emptied. With some simple forethought, you can help keep your family safe in an emergency.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your attorney, doctor, broker or advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.