How Much Water Do You Need To Store For An Emergency?

Water is the essence of life, and if you’re preparing for an emergency, you’re going to want to stock up on enough to last you through the tough times. But how much is enough? Well, let me tell you, it’s a question that has plagued man (and woman) since the dawn of time. Or, you know, since people started thinking about emergency preparedness.

First of all, let’s get the boring part out of the way. According to experts, you should aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. That means, if you have a family of four, you’re looking at a minimum of 16 gallons of water per day. To be fully prepared for a month long emergency event, you’ll want to aim for 60-120 gallons of water per person. That would give you 2-4 gallons of water to last over those 30 days. Don’t worry, I’ll wait while you go find a big enough container to store all that water in.

Okay, back? Great! So, now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about the fun stuff – the different ways you can store water for emergencies. And let me tell you, there are plenty of options, from the straightforward to the zany.

The Classic: Plastic Jugs

This is probably the most straightforward way to store water. Simply buy some large plastic jugs, fill them up with tap water, and voila! You’ve got yourself a water supply. But here’s the catch, you’ll need to change out the water every six months or so, otherwise it can go bad and taste funny. So, unless you have a habit of drinking water that tastes like your Grandma’s basement, you’ll want to mark the date on each jug and remember to swap them out.

The Retro: Glass Jars

Glass jars are great for water storage because they’re reusable and don’t leach chemicals into the water like plastic can. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly, which is always a bonus. Just make sure you store the jars in a cool, dark place to prevent any algae growth, and you’re good to go.

The MacGyver: Milk Jugs

Got any old milk jugs lying around? Well, you’re in luck, because they make great emergency water storage containers! Just rinse them out thoroughly, fill them up, and label them with the date. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even decorate them to match your decor. Who says emergency preparedness can’t be stylish?

The Space-Saving: Water Bricks

If you’re short on storage space, water bricks are a great option. They’re compact, stackable, and come in a variety of colors to match your personality (or home decor). And they’re not just for emergency water storage either, they’re also great for camping and outdoor adventures.

The Innovative: Portable Water Tanks

These tanks are great for people who like to be on the move. They come in a variety of sizes, from small enough to fit in your backpack to large enough to carry in your car. And, best of all, they come with a spigot, so you can dispense water with ease. Just make sure you remember to refill the tank every so often, otherwise you’ll be left high and dry.

The Over-the-Top: Shipping Containers

If you’re really serious about water storage, why not go all out and invest in a shipping container? These behemoths can hold up to 5,000 gallons of water, so you’ll have enough to last you through the apocalypse. And, if you’re feeling creative, you can even turn the container into a stylish home, complete with a water feature. Who says you can’t be prepared and stylish at the same time?

Now that you know the different options for water storage, it’s important to remember that no matter which option you choose, you should always have a backup plan. You never know when a disaster will strike, so it’s always best to be prepared. Whether it’s keeping a few extra bottles of water on hand or investing in a shipping container, the key is to have enough water to last you through the tough times.

In conclusion, the amount of water you need to store for emergencies varies depending on your individual needs, but a general guideline is one gallon per person per day. And don’t forget, it’s not just about drinking water, you’ll also need water for basic hygiene, cooking, and cleaning. So, get creative, have fun, and happy water storage!

Oh, and one last thing, if you do happen to store water in a shipping container, please don’t forget to open the lid once in a while to check if it’s still there. That would be a real bummer to find out that it’s not there when you really need it.

Stay hydrated, my friends!