Emergency Water Storage: A Complete Guide for Families

Water storage is a fundamental part of emergency preparedness. This guide covers everything you need to know about storing water for your family.

How Much Water to Store

FEMA recommends storing at least:

• 1 gallon per person per day
• 3-day supply minimum for evacuation
• 2-week supply for home storage

For a family of four, that's:

• Evacuation kit:12 gallons
• Home storage:56 gallons

Choosing the Right Containers

Good Options

• Food-grade plastic containers: Look for HDPE (recycling symbol2)
• Glass containers: Non-reactive but heavy and breakable
• Commercial water barrels:55-gallon drums for serious storage

Avoid

• Milk jugs (break down quickly)
• Containers that held chemicals
• Non-food-grade plastics

Proper Storage Techniques

1. Clean Containers

Wash containers with soap and rinse thoroughly. Sanitize with a solution of1 teaspoon bleach per quart of water.

2. Fill with Clean Water

Use tap water if your municipal supply is safe. If not, use bottled water.

3. Add Preservative (Optional)

For long-term storage, add2 drops of unscented household bleach per liter of water.

4. Seal Tightly

Prevent contamination by sealing containers tightly.

5. Store in Cool, Dark Place

Heat and light degrade water quality over time. Store in a cool, dark location away from chemicals.

Rotation Schedule

• Tap water: Rotate every6 months
• Bottled water: Check expiration date
• Treated water: Rotate annually

Beyond Storage: Portable Filtration

While stored water is important, it's limited. A portable water filter like the Blackout Water Survival Straw provides unlimited clean water from any freshwater source.

Advantages of Portable Filtration

• Unlimited supply: Filter1,800 gallons from any source
• No rotation needed: Works for years without maintenance
• Space efficient:2 oz vs hundreds of pounds of stored water
• Cost effective: One-time purchase vs ongoing bottled water costs

The Hybrid Approach

We recommend a combined strategy:

1. Short-term: Store3-7 days of water for immediate needs
2. Long-term: Use a Blackout Water Survival Straw for extended emergencies
3. Knowledge: Know where freshwater sources are located near your home

Start Today

Water storage doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Start with a few gallons of stored water and add a Blackout Water Survival Straw for complete protection.

Order your Blackout Water Survival Straw →