Everyone talks about food storage when planning for emergencies, but water is just as crucial. Understanding the role of water in survival situations starts with knowing that the human body needs it more frequently than food. Hydration keeps systems running smoothly, supports digestion, and even helps in maintaining body temperature. Without water, challenges escalate quickly.
Imagine facing a natural disaster, a prolonged power outage, or being stuck in a remote location without access to clean water. These scenarios highlight the importance of being prepared. Having enough water stored can make the difference between managing through tough times or struggling to find a drop when the taps run dry.
It’s shocking but true – a lot of folks aren’t prepared for even the most basic aspects of an emergency. Studies show that a significant percentage of people don’t keep any water stored at home for emergencies. In a world where water scarcity is becoming a reality in several places, even a little preparation can play a significant role in ensuring our survival if things get tough. It’s these statistics that push the urgency for more awareness and preparation around water storage.
Choosing the Right Storage Methods
Figuring out how to store water effectively involves a bit of research into the various options out there. Barrels, tanks, and bottles each offer distinct benefits and drawbacks. While barrels might hold more water, they’re not as portable as bottles. Tanks, on the other hand, can store massive quantities, but require significant space and sometimes, a bit of technical know-how to set up and maintain correctly.
The material your storage containers are made of matters. Plastic, metal, or glass – each has its perks and potential pitfalls. For instance, certain plastics are safer because they’re food-grade and less likely to leach harmful substances into the water. Understanding packaging not only helps in your water’s safety but also its longevity.
No matter how much water you store, it’s crucial to think about filtration and purification. Even stored water can become contaminated over time. A simple water filter can make a big difference, ensuring you and your family have access to clean, drinkable water year-round. Purification tablets or systems can serve as a backup to your stored supply, offering peace of mind that you’re never left in a lurch.
Building Your Water Storage Strategy
When it comes to getting your water plan in order, start by figuring out how much you actually need. It’s not just about the number of people in your household; think about lifestyle and activities too. Calculate daily water needs per person, (roughly a gallon a day per person), and factor in a bit more if you have pets or engage in outdoor activities. Household numbers can change quickly sometimes and might even include a friend or two at the time of the Emergency and not to mention pets as well. This gives you a ballpark figure to aim for in your storage.
Water, like many other things, needs ideal conditions to stay usable. Avoid storing in hot places or where they’re exposed to sunlight. Both temperature and light can affect water quality over time. Keeping water away from air, which can introduce contaminants, is another critical element.
Maintenance is a step often overlooked. Regularly check that tanks, barrels, and bottles are sealed properly and check for any signs of damage or leaks. Maintaining water quality means setting a schedule to rotate and refresh supplies, ensuring that the water remains safe to drink whenever you might need it.
Also: It wouldn’t be much more trouble to store some smaller extra bottles in a duffle bag or your vehicle or boat, (whatever the case might be for your particular region), or be able to pop a couple of bottles per person in each of their backpacks in the case you may not be able to stay home due to dangers of weather, or other possible threats such as social unrest during the emergency event, when it might ,( for whatever the reason), be safer to leave for a couple of hours or until you can return home safely
Practical Tips for Effective Water Storage Management
When it comes to emergencies, having your water easily accessible is half the battle. Plan for quick access by storing water in different places around the house, and make sure everybody knows where to find it. It’s one thing to have a stockpile, but another to reach it without hassle in a time of need. A lot will depend on the type of emergency, disaster, or crisis you could potentially be preparing for such as, but not limited to, Tornado, Power Outages, ( like in the case of a well pump that could have the power cut off, or just quit working all together), or a Winter Storm, or a Flood, or an Earthquake, where everything, including water supply could be frozen, contaminated, or even wiped out entirely.
Labeling your stored water isn’t just for being organized. It’s crucial for keeping track of expiry dates, especially if you’ve treated the water with purification materials, which might have their own shelf life. This habit ensures you’re not caught off guard using water that’s past its prime.
Not everything about preparing for emergencies has to be expensive. DIY methods can save money and make use of what you already have. Upcycling large plastic bottles or using food-grade barrels from local businesses can cut costs while extending your water supply.
In those nail-biting moments when quick action is necessary, being able to use your stored water efficiently is key. Practicing how and when to use your resources beforehand can prevent panic and ensure everyone remains as calm as possible while managing the situation and making sure that everyone has enough.