Fresh water is vital in an emergency.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an emergency fresh water supply of at least one gallon per day per person in each household. That recommendation goes up in warmer climates, for pregnant women and households with pets. The CDC also recommends a two-week supply of fresh water. For a family of three with a pet, you might want more than one 55-gallon container in an emergency.
Instructions
1. Wash the inside of the container thoroughly with dishwashing soap and water.
2. Rinse until all soap residue is removed.
3. Mix a sterilizing solution with a ratio of 1 teaspoon of bleach per quart of water. Use at least 1 quart of solution for this process. One gallon may make the process of sterilizing the entire vessel go faster. Because water weighs slightly more than 8 pounds per gallon, larger amounts of solution may make the vessel hard to manipulate, however. Whatever amount of water you decide to use, add 1 teaspoon of bleach for each quart of water.
4. Pour the sterilizing solution into the container. Close the container and agitate the solution until all interior surfaces are covered.
5. Leave the vessel closed for at least 30 seconds, then open and empty the container.
6. Rinse the container with potable water or let it air-dry completely.
7. Fill the container with potable water and seal.
8. Store the container in a cool location out of direct sunlight. Keep away from petroleum products, pesticides or any other toxic substances.
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