Things You'll Need:
- Cool, dry location
- Store-bought water that has not expired
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Step 1
First, calculate a reasonable amount of drinking water to store for an emergency situation. In general, a three-day supply of water should be stored for each family member. One gallon of drinking water is needed for each person and pet per day.
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Step 2
Determine where to store emergency water supplies. Keep in mind that an emergency can happen anywhere, so plan to store drinking water at home, at work, and in each vehicle. If possible, plan to store water in a cool, dry, and dark location.
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Step 3
Preferably, emergency water supplies should be bought from the store in factory-sealed containers. Storing water in milk containers is discouraged, since they are difficult to clean and will break down over time.
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Step 4
Containers for storing water are also sold in sporting good stores, but be sure to wash these containers with soap, sanitize the containers (by combining a 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach with a quart of water and coating the interior surfaces of the container), and rinse them completely before use.
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Step 5
If you plan on filling containers with tap water, be sure to contact your water department to see if any treatment is necessary prior to storage.
