Although the likelihood of a disaster occurring is low, events can happen very suddenly and it’s extremely important to have a plan ready to be put in place at any time. Water, in particular, is something that should be stored ahead of time in preparation for emergencies. It is very likely that your everyday water source could be cut off or contaminated and your access to clean drinking water, restricted. But how should you store your water and just how much will you need? What else should you have on hand? Here’s what you need to know to keep your family hydrated and safe during a possible emergency.
- How Much. Determining how much water you should store can be measured with a very quick and simple evaluation. One gallon of water per person for three days is the usual recommendation. This means that if you live in a household of three, at the very least you should have 9 gallons stored. However, there are a few other things you should take into consideration. Be prepared to use this water not only for hydration, but sanitation and medical needs. If you have someone who may be sick, elderly, or even a mother who is nursing, you might require additional water to be stored. Also, don’t forget to take into account the climate of where you are storing water. If where you live can reach very high temperatures, it will take more water to stay hydrated.
- Storage. When deciding how and where to store your water, it is best to choose a commercially-bottled water. The seal keeps water fresh and prevents contamination. (We prefer Eldorado Natural Spring Water.) Store these bottles somewhere cool and dark and try to refrain from keeping them somewhere with freezing temperatures. Also, always remember to follow the expiration date and switch out old water supplies with new when the time comes.
- Other Items to Have On Hand. It is also very important to store non-perishable food items like canned soup or beans. Take into account how much each person will eat and lay aside the appropriate amount to keep everyone healthy. Also, make sure to gather all important documents and make copies. These could be anything from emergency contacts, passports, medical information, birth certificates, etc. A few other things to pack are flashlights, cell phone chargers, medications (for a span of about seven days), first aid kit, personal hygiene items, cash, and batteries.
Of course there are many other things that are good to have at your disposal, but this list is a good start. If you’d like to take at look at other emergency preparedness ideas, the CDC has a lot of valuable information. We hope this post helps to bring peace of mind to you and yours! If you’re looking for your nearest retailer that carries Eldorado, find a complete list here!
