Any natural or human-caused disaster may restrict your access to fresh water. SURVIVAL BLONDE asked the American Red Cross for their advice on the subject.
How much water do I need?
- At least a gallon / per person / per day (pets count as people).
- Store at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your family.
- So one person with two cats = 9 gallons
In case of emergency drink at least two quarts of water a day, 3-4 quarts a day if you are in a hot climate, pregnant, sick or a child. DO NOT ration the water when supplies diminish. Drink your quota and find some more.
How do I store it?
- Preferably, in store-bought, factory-sealed water containers.
- Alternately, in food-grade quality containers made for storing water and available from sporting goods and surplus stores and other retailers.
- These containers must be thoroughly washed, sanitized and rinsed.
- The water you store in them, if it's from your tap, may need to be treated before being stored.
- Ask your public health service or water provider for information on whether and how to treat the water. Follow those instructions before storing any.
Where do I keep it?
- In a cool, dark place in your home, each vehicle, your workplace, and in your backpack
What should I avoid?
- Store-bought water past the expiration or "use by" date on the container.
- Containers that can't be sealed tightly.
- Containers that can break, such as glass bottles.
- Containers that have ever held any toxic substance.
- Plastic milk bottles and cartons. They are difficult to clean and break down over time.
How long can I keep it?
- Change stored water every six months, unless it’s a product specifically designed for survival (see the links below).
LINKS
LET’S GO SHOPPING: http://pinterest.com/survivalblonde/water-water
YOUR COMMENTS & SHOPPING TIPS: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Survival-for-Blondes/287648871262354
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/FoodWater.asp
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/safe_water/personal.html
