Emergency Water Supplies

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An emergency can happen at anytime; access to clean water is a top priority.

With an emergency water supply prepared, you know that you and your family will have drinking water. The average person must drink at least 8 cups (1/2 gallon) of water daily. Children, nursing mothers or those who are ill may need more.

The American Red Cross and FEMA have additional information on water storage and how to treat your household water in the event that your emergency supply runs out. Properly prepare and store an emergency supply of water for your household.

Preparation

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends buying bottled water for emergencies
To prepare your own water: use food-grade storage containers from surplus or camping supply stores
To re-use storage containers (2-liter plastic drink bottles): thoroughly clean with dish soap and water
Not recommended: glass, cardboard and plastic containers used for juice or milk
- Glass is heavy and may break
- Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be completely removed, leading to bacterial growth which contaminates water

Water Storage

Store enough water for 3 to 5 days: 1 gallon per person, per day, including pets
Store all water supplies in a cool, dark place like the basement or under the sink
Mark the date of storage on the exterior of tap and bottled water supplies. Replace every 6 months.
- Tap Water
  - Ensure water containers are completely clean
  - Use the container's original cover
  - Be sure not to touch the inside of the cover when sealing the container
- Bottled Water
  - Store in the original container
  - Not recommended for storage if seals are broken

Visit Food Safety During an Emergency for additional American Red Cross food and water safety resources in Spanish and Vietnamese plus emergency food safety guidelines in Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

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Last Updated:

08-27-2024