Tips for Storing Water in Emergency Situations
Water is one of the most essential resources for survival, and it’s crucial to have a reliable source of clean water in case of an emergency. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or a water main break, having a supply of stored water can mean the difference between life and death. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to store water for emergency situations.
The Importance of Water Storage
In an emergency, clean water may not be available, and it’s essential to have a supply of stored water to ensure your survival. According to the American Red Cross, a person needs at least one gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation. This means that a family of four would need at least four gallons of water per day. In an emergency situation, it’s recommended to have at least a two-week supply of water, which would be about 112 gallons for a family of four.
Types of Water Storage Containers and their Advantages and Disadvantages
There are several types of water storage containers available, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of water storage containers include:
Plastic water bottles: These are convenient and easy to use, but they’re not very durable and can only be used once.
Plastic water jugs: These are more durable than plastic water bottles and can be used multiple times. They’re also more affordable than other types of water storage containers.
Metal water drums: These are very durable and can be used multiple times, but they’re also more expensive than plastic water jugs.
Water bladders: These are made of plastic and are designed to be flexible. They’re convenient to store and transport, but they’re not as durable as metal water drums.
How to Store Water Properly to Ensure it’s Safe to Drink
Once you have your water storage containers, it’s essential to know how to store water properly to ensure it stays safe to drink. Here are some tips for storing water:
- Keep water containers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Make sure the containers are sealed tightly and labeled with the date they were filled.
- Rotate your water supply every six months to ensure it stays fresh.
- If you’re using plastic water bottles, make sure they’re made of food-grade plastic and are specifically designed for water storage.
- Avoid using containers that have held toxic substances, such as gasoline or pesticides.
Treatment of Water
When it comes to storing water for emergency situations, it is crucial to ensure that the water is safe to drink. One of the ways to do this is by treating the water before storing it. There are several methods for treating water, including boiling, chemical treatment, and filtering. We will discuss each of these methods in detail and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about how to treat your emergency water supply.
Boiling:
Boiling is one of the oldest and most effective methods of treating water. It is a simple process that requires only heat and a container to hold the water. To boil water, bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute. This will kill any bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may be present in the water. It’s important to note that boiling will not remove any dissolved solids such as heavy metals, salts and minerals that may be present in the water.
Chemical treatment:
Chemical treatment is another popular method for treating water. This can be done by using water purification tablets or liquid solutions. These chemicals, such as chlorine and iodine, work by killing any harmful microorganisms that may be present in the water. These are effective against bacteria, viruses and parasites but not against chemical contaminants. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemical water treatments, as overuse can lead to an unpleasant taste and color of the water.
Filtering:
Filtering is a physical method of water treatment that uses a filter to remove impurities from the water. There are several types of water filters available, including ceramic filters, carbon filters, and reverse osmosis filters. Each type of filter has its own advantages and disadvantages and removes different types of impurities.
Ceramic filters are effective in removing bacteria, viruses, and some parasites, but they are not effective in removing chemical contaminants.
Carbon filters remove chemicals, chlorine, and some heavy metals, but they are not effective against viruses and parasites.
Reverse osmosis filters remove a wide range of impurities, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals and dissolved solids, but they are not always portable and require electricity.
It is important to note that, treating water is essential to make it safe for drinking. However, it is also important to store it in clean and safe containers and to check the stored water regularly to ensure it’s still safe to drink.
Boiling, chemical treatment, and filtering are all effective methods for treating water for emergency storage. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and the resources you have available. It is recommended to use a combination of methods for better results. Also, it’s important to have a plan in place for obtaining and storing water in an emergency, and to regularly check the stored water to ensure it’s still safe to drink.
Conclusion
In an emergency situation, having a reliable source of clean water is essential for survival. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that you have a safe and reliable supply of stored water. Remember to choose the right type of container, store the water properly, and treat the water before drinking. It’s also essential to have a plan in place for obtaining and storing water in case of an emergency. By having a Disaster Preparedness Plan for your family, you can increase your chances of survival.