During storms, natural disasters or other emergencies like water pipes bursting, the water supply may become disrupted or contaminated. For this reason, it is wise to have on hand a 2 week supply of water for each person in the home. 1 gallon per day is the minimum (if it is really hot weather, or other health concerns like diabetes, double the amount). Water is your most precious survival item, without water you cannot survive for much longer than a few days whereas you can live without food for longer. With unclean water, you may contract diseases that could lead to death or at least an uncomfortable existence. With no water, you will die after a few days, or at least sustain permanent kidney damage or other problems.
When a major disaster happens, it is safe and wise to assume the water is unsafe without further purification, as many times disasters can cause contamination of some sort to the water supply. Immediately after a major disaster (earthquake, tornado, whatever), shut off the water supply to your home at the valve that goes to the water main outside. This step helps in keeping possible polluted water out of the house's water supply.
Storing water is a big undertaking, but essential. Water takes up space, lots of it. And it is heavy, so think through how you will store it, in what types of containers.
Storage of water:
Keep water in a cool, dark place if possible. If in the garage (where can get warm) at least cover with black garbage bag to get it dark. Store AWAY from fumes and gases, chemicals, pesticides, etc. and off the concrete floor, you can put it on shelves or wood. Periodically check water storage for cloudiness, odor, leaks, etc. replace as need. Otherwise water, if stored properly, should store indefinitely. During cold climates, don't fill containers completely in case the water freezes, you want room for it to expand.
There are small and large containers used to store water. What you choose will depend on your space, your preference, and cost of course. A gallon of water weighs about 8 pounds. Water storage will take up a lot of space, so you will want to learn how to purify water as well. Think of it this way, a year’s supply of wheat uses less space than a 2 week supply of water!
55+ gallon drums hold a lot of water, but when filled are heavy!! Too heavy to move without emptying it some (55 gallons at 8 pounds a gallon is 440 pounds). But it stores a lot in less space than say one gallon jugs. (You’d need 55 gallon jugs to have the same amount of water that fits in one 55 gallon drum). So in the case of a larger family, drums might be the way to go since they are more space friendly. But, because they can’t be moved easily, you may want some smaller containers as well, in case you need to leave your home. This would be wise for the 72 hour kit—to have smaller containers, plus ways to purify.
Containers:
All containers should be food grade. Cleaned thoroughly—sanitized (see below). Leak-proof.
Milk jugs: can be used for shorter periods of time, the plastic begins to break down over time. They tend to leak within a few months to a year, depending on where and how stored.
Pop, juice, syrup, etc. bottles: a good choice for smaller containers, oddly shaped though and can’t be stacked easily, so take up more space.
Drums: large, space efficient in some respects, costly at the get go, but the cost might be worth it in space saved… Will also need a bung wrench and pump to remove water stored in them. HEAVY when filled.
Other containers: don’t use metal (it can corrode, rust), glass can break and is heavier than plastic, containers that contained cleaning agents, etc
Sanitizing containers to be used: wash + rinse bottles thoroughly. Fill with about 1 qt water, add ¼ c. bleach. Put lid on, shake vigorously and turn upside down to get the cap too. Let stand 2-3 min. Pour bleach water into next container to be sanitized and repeat process. (same water can be used for more than one container). After containers have been swished with bleach water, fill with purified water, label (be sure to label that it was purified water and the date it was prepared).
Methods to purify:
Boil: most preferred, easiest. Boil vigorously 5-10 min. Cool, pour between clean containers to aerate.
Distill: extension to boiling. Boil water and collect the water vapor that condenses on the lid. This water won’t have other impurities. Fill large pot with water. Tie a cup or small pie plate to handle of pot lid (lid will be upside down, cup upside up, but not touching water being boiled). This method also works to make fresh water out of salt water. Instead of boiling, can use sun to heat water--will take longer.
Filters: commercial filters, follow directions
Chlorine Bleach: don’t use if cloudy* water or other noticeable sediments. Must first remove all large particles (filter water through cloth, several layers, several times if need, then chlorinate). 1/4 to 1/2 t per gallon of water let stand 30 min, should have a slight chlorine odor, if not repeat and let stand 15 min. before using. Use fresh bleach, if it is older, you will have to double the amount. If too much chlorine is used, cramps, vomiting or diarrhea can be a problem.
*if water is cloudy, first try to filter as noted, if still cloudy double the amount of bleach.
Other chemical treatments: water purification tablets: check types/purposes/what they purify against, etc. also check expiration dates. Follow directions and allow sufficient time for the chemical to work before you try to use the water.
Water sources in & around the home:
Water heater (turn off gas/electric supply, close main water valve, open water faucet, drain water from drain plug at bottom—don’t turn on electric or gas until intake valve reopened and tank is full of water again)
water softener containers, toilet tank
Canned fruits and veggies, juices, soups, other high moisture foods.
If more than one level to home: drain water that is in your pipes (turn off main water supply first, open a faucet on top floor and open faucet on lowest level—to collect any water left in pipes).
Dew in the morning: mop up with clean T-shirt or towel and squeeze into clean container, purify by boiling or other methods.
make a still in yard: use to collect water from the ground that is evaporating. dig a hole, and using plastic, rocks, container and if have a clean tube, collect distilled water. Uses heat from the sun to cause evaporation and distillation of water. If don’t have a big hole, can use two pots (on inside of the other, or a glass jar inside a pot, with the plastic weighted down like below. 2 stills should provide enough water for 1 person each day.
Water from plants: wrap a tree branch or other plant with plastic, water will condense onto plastic; also certain types of plants indicate water in the ground around it (still have to remove and purify).
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