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Low stress ways to store emergency water

Here at Organized Mom we feel that storing food and other essentials for emergencies is an important priority.  We have previously talked about 72 hour kits (link here) and beginning basics of food storage (link here).  Today I would like to help you get started on water.

Water has been a stumbling block for me in my food storage mainly because of the overwhelming amount needed and the space issue.  You should plan on storing 1 gallon of water per person per day.  Recommendations are to have at least 3 days and up to 2 weeks worth of water at home (minimum requirement).  I am trying to make my family self-sufficient for 3 months.  We have 4 people living at home so that would be 360 gallons of water!  I do not have that kind of space so here is my solution for water storage:

  1.  Hot water heaters:  we have two 50 gallon hot water heaters in our home so that gives us 100 gallons already stored.
  2. Water bottles:  you can buy and stack plastic water bottles, or use other food grade containers such as 2 liter bottles (not milk jugs).  I have been saving and washing 2 liter bottles the past few months as we attended holiday parties.  I filled these with water and put 10-12 under each bathroom sink.
  3. Water filters:  I live near the mountains so it is plausible for me to hike for water if needed.  With that in mind, I obtained a water filter that could be used to clean stream water.  I can use it in an emergency situation or just camping so it is practical as well.  A water filter is a great emergency product to invest in.  One system can filter 100,000 gallons of water.
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Don’t be overwhelmed by water storage.  Make a list of water sources that are already available.  Figure what additional amount your family will need (based on 1 gallon per person per day).  Then make a plan based on needs and budget.  FEMA has an excellent free worksheet to help with your food and water planning.

Make January water storage month and get started today!

 

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