FEMA recommends a three-day supply of water for emergency situations.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you keep an emergency water supply that will last you and your family for at least three days. On average, you will need about a half gallon of water per person per day. However, this amount is strictly for drinking purposes. Storing a sufficient supply of water in 50 or 55 gallon barrels provides water for drinking use and other purposes such as washing, brushing teeth and cleaning dishes.
Instructions
1. Purchase a 50 or 55 gallon barrel specifically for storing water. Ensure that it is made of polyethylene plastic that is approved by the FDA for water storage. Purchase a barrel with as thick a wall as possible. The thicker the plastic walls, the better it will be at preventing foreign vapors from contaminating your water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any specific actions you need to take before you put water into it.
2. Rinse the barrel thoroughly. Your barrel should be clean before adding your emergency water.
3. Place the barrel in a location away from any direct sunlight. The location should be cool and dry. If you have a basement, store it there away from any other containers that contain toxic substances such as kerosene, gasoline or pesticides.
4. Fill the barrel with tap water. If you do not have access to tap water, use water from a well or other source. Add 3 tablespoons of bleach to your barrel after it is filled. The bleach will ensure that no bacteria or viruses will thrive in the water as it sits in storage.
5. Label the barrel with the date you filled the barrel with water and make it very clear that the content of the barrel is just water. Also include on the label how much bleach your have added to disinfect the water. Secure all caps and lids as required to close the barrel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any specifics needed for your particular water storage barrel. Drain your barrel and repeat these steps every three years to ensure that you will have an emergency supply of clean water.
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