Be prepared

• A person can survive several days or even weeks without food, but only a short time without water.
• In a natural disaster or other unforeseen situation, drinking water can quickly and without notice become contaminated or unsafe to drink.
• By preparing before the disaster, you can be sure you will have safe drinking water in an emergency. After the emergency, it's too late to make plans.

Plan for enough water for a week

• Keep in mind that you may be without electrical power and other basic services for several days.
• In normal weather, a typically active person needs at least one-half gallon of water a day just for drinking and cooking.
• That doesn't count the extra water needed for washing, brushing teeth, and washing clothes.
• To be safe, store at least six gallons of water per person per week. As a rule, store at least one week's emergency water supply for each member of your family.

Store water properly

• Use food-grade plastic or glass containers.
• Make sure containers are cleaned and sanitized, especially containers that recently have held food or beverages.
• You can purchase new plastic water storage containers at sporting goods stores.
• Do not use milk jugs to store water because there may be harmful bacteria in the dried milk. Also do not use empty bleach containers.
• Store the containers upright in a cool, dry place.
• Because direct sunlight and heat gradually weaken plastic containers, store them away from the heat and light to prevent possible leaking.
• A freezer is also a good place to store water for a long period. However, freeze water in plastic bottles only; glass will likely break. Don't completely fill the container with water; leave two to three inches of space at the top to prevent bursting as the water freezes.