Water: The Cornerstone of Emergency Preparedness
When disaster strikes—whether it's a hurricane, earthquake, power outage, or wildfire, one of the first essentials you’ll need to secure is water.
It’s easy to take clean, running water for granted in daily life, but in an emergency, it becomes one of your most vital lifelines.
Why Water Matters
Water isn’t just for drinking.
It’s essential for cooking, basic hygiene, and even first aid.
Without an adequate supply, dehydration can set in quickly, especially in hot climates or if you're physically active.
Health experts and emergency agencies agree: water is your #1 priority in any disaster plan.
How Much Water Do You Need?
The general rule of thumb from FEMA and the Red Cross is:
1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person per day.
This covers both drinking and minimal hygiene needs.
So for:
- One person: 3 gallons for 3 days
- Two people: 6 gallons for 3 days
- Four people: 12 gallons for 3 days
Add 1 quart (about 1 liter) per pet per day if you have animals.
Many preppers recommend storing 2 gallons per person per day, especially for cooking and sanitation.
Special Considerations for Urban Apartments
Living in a small space? Here's how to prepare smartly:
- Use stackable water storage containers (e.g. 1-5 gallon jugs) that fit in closets, under beds, or behind furniture.
- Consider boxed emergency water (like Datrex or SOS) with a 5+ year shelf life.
- Store a collapsible water container in your kit in case you need to collect and store water from communal sources.
- Don’t forget the bathtub! In emergencies, fill it immediately using a waterBOB or similar liner.
Families with Kids: Extra Planning Required
Children are more vulnerable to dehydration and may need additional water:
- Account for extra drinking water for toddlers and nursing mothers.
- Keep a few small, easy-to-carry bottles that kids can manage on their own.
- Use flavored electrolyte packets (like Pedialyte) to encourage kids to drink more in stressful situations.
- Sanitation needs increase with diapers, messy hands, and frequent spills—store extra for cleaning and washing.
Tip: Make sure you rotate water more frequently if you’re using smaller bottles, which may degrade faster.
Wilderness or Off-Grid Situations
If you're preparing for a bug-out scenario or wilderness survival:
Store water when possible, but prioritize water purification tools:
Portable filters (e.g. Sawyer, LifeStraw)
Boiling kit with stove and fuel
Chlorine dioxide tablets or bleach
Know your local water sources (streams, lakes, etc.) and how to treat them.
Carry a metal container for boiling water over a fire.
Remember: carrying 3 days’ worth of water in the wild is impractical—focus on access and purification.
Storage Tips for Everyone
- Use food-grade containers, not milk jugs.
- Keep water cool, dark, and sealed to prevent contamination.
- Rotate water every 6 months, unless it’s commercially packaged with a long shelf life.
- Label your storage date clearly.
Pro Tip: Know How to Purify
In a pinch, you may need to use water from questionable sources. Be ready:
- Boil water for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at altitude).
- Use unscented bleach: 8 drops per gallon, wait 30 minutes.
- Invest in a reliable water filter or purification tablets.
A Simple Checklist
Here’s what you can do today:
- Calculate how much water your household needs for 3–7 days.
- Begin storing water in safe containers.
- Get at least one method of water purification.
- Set calendar reminders to rotate your water supply every 6 months.
Final Thoughts
Water is the one thing you can't do without—and it’s one of the easiest to prepare in advance.
Whether you live in a high-rise apartment, a house full of kids, or are ready to head off-grid, taking the time to store and plan for water needs can make all the difference in a crisis.
Start today—because when the taps stop, preparation starts paying off.
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