Emergencies happen all the time, but you cannot always predict when they will strike. Therefore, it helps to prepare. Water is one of the most important things to have; how much water should you stock for emergencies? We’ll explain how much water to store in your emergency supply.
Consider Family Size
The first thing you’ll want to do when stocking emergency water is to consider the size of your family. Every household is a different size, so you’ll want to ensure you have enough water for everyone in an emergency. Make a list of how many adults and children live in the home. Keep pets in mind, too. The idea is to provide an equal amount of water for each individual so no one gets more or less than the other. It can be challenging to ration in these situations, but you will be ready for anything if you have a clear plan in place.
Consider Amount
Once you know the size of your household, you can determine the amount of water each person will need in an emergency. Ideally, you’ll provide a gallon of water per person every day. Store at least a two-week water supply per person. That equals about 14 gallons of water for each individual in the household.
For example, if you have a four-person family, a two-week supply for each person adds up to 56 gallons of water. However, it’s beneficial to stock more than you need, just in case. Don’t be afraid to store as much water as possible because it will come in handy during emergencies.
Other Considerations
You’ll want to consider other factors besides family size and water volume. For example, you need to ensure the water you store is clean and safe to drink. It can be helpful to get a water filter system to purify drinking water, especially during emergencies.
Consider the containers you will use to store your water. You don’t want to use just any container, as not all are sanitary options. It’s best to use food-grade containers for water storage to ensure no toxic substances transfer into the water. It’s also a good idea to avoid glass containers, as they can break easily.
Now that you know how much water to store for emergencies, you can start building your supply today. Check out NuManna Foundation’s selection of survival water filtration systems so you can ensure the safest drinking water for your family.