How to Store Water for an Emergency

Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and natural disasters of any kind can be less traumatic if you take steps to store water for your family.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-gallon Plastic Containers
  • Household Liquid Bleach
  • Address Labels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Figure out how much water you'll need to store. Count on one gallon per person, per day, for two weeks.

    • 2

      Obtain and wash plastic, glass, fiberglass, or enamel-lined containers. Soft-drink bottles and food-grade drums work well.

    • 3

      Fill containers with water.

    • 4

      Add eight drops of household bleach (containing 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water. This amount of bleach will kill microorganisms, but it won't make you sick.

    • 5

      Seal the containers securely, label them and store them in a cool, dark place.

    • 6

      Rotate the bottles every six months - empty the containers and replace them with fresh water.

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