To ensure your safety during a water-related emergency or outbreak, you should store a minimum of 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least a 3-day supply. This baseline amount is crucial for meeting essential drinking needs.
Why Is Water Storage Essential?
During emergencies, access to safe drinking water can be compromised or entirely unavailable. Preparing in advance by creating a dedicated water supply is a fundamental aspect of family emergency planning. As a key preparedness measure, it helps ensure that your household has access to potable water when municipal supplies are disrupted or contaminated.
Calculating Your Minimum Water Storage Needs
Based on emergency preparedness guidelines, the fundamental requirement is to store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person in your household, with a goal of maintaining a 3-day supply. This minimum accounts primarily for drinking water.
To calculate your household's minimum water storage, use the following simple formula:
Total Gallons Needed = Number of People × 1 Gallon/Person/Day × 3 Days
For example, if you have a family of four, your minimum requirement would be:
4 people × 1 gallon/person/day × 3 days = 12 gallons
Here's a quick reference table for common household sizes:
| Number of People | Minimum Daily Water (Gallons) | Minimum 3-Day Water Supply (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | 3 | 9 |
| 4 | 4 | 12 |
| 5 | 5 | 15 |
| 6 | 6 | 18 |
Beyond the Minimum: Additional Considerations
While the 3-day, 1-gallon-per-person guideline is a critical starting point, consider storing more water to account for other essential needs and potential longer-term disruptions.
Factors That Increase Water Needs:
- Cooking: Preparing food often requires additional water.
- Basic Hygiene: Hand washing, brushing teeth, and minimal cleaning contribute to water usage.
- Medical Needs: Individuals with certain health conditions or those requiring medication may need extra water.
- Children and Pregnant Women: These groups often have higher hydration requirements.
- Pets: Don't forget your furry family members, who also need a daily water supply.
- Climate: Living in a hot climate may necessitate more water due to increased perspiration.
Recommended Storage Extensions:
- Longer Duration: While 3 days is the minimum, many emergency preparedness experts recommend aiming for a 2-week supply of water if space and resources allow. This provides a greater buffer for prolonged emergencies.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Account for the fact that water will be used for more than just drinking. A good rule of thumb is to consider 1.5 to 2 gallons per person per day to cover drinking, basic hygiene, and minimal cooking.
Safe Water Storage Tips:
- Use Food-Grade Containers: Store water in clean, plastic, food-grade containers. Avoid using containers that previously held toxic substances.
- Cool, Dark Place: Keep stored water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent algae growth and degradation.
- Rotate Supply: Label your containers with the date of storage and replace the water every six months to a year.
- Purification Options: Keep water purification tablets or a portable filter on hand as a backup, in case you need to make non-potable water safe to drink.
By proactively calculating and storing an adequate water supply, you significantly enhance your household's resilience in the face of unexpected emergencies.
