Emergency Water Calculator: How Much to Store?
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Water is essential for survival, and in emergency situations, having an adequate supply of clean water becomes even more crucial. Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or any other unforeseen event, being prepared with enough water storage can make a significant difference in your family’s well-being.
But how much water should you store? How do you calculate your water storage needs accurately? In this blog, we will explore the factors influencing emergency water requirements, how to use our water storage calculator, and essential guidelines for sanitizing stored water.

Understanding Water Storage Necessities in Emergencies
During emergencies, access to clean drinking water may be compromised, making it necessary to store enough water to meet your household’s needs.
The amount of water required varies based on several factors, including the number of people in your household and your storage duration.
Factors Influencing Emergency Water Requirements
a) The number of people in your household determines your water storage needs. On average, each person requires about one gallon of water per day for drinking, food preparation, and hygiene. Therefore, if you have a family of four, your daily water requirement would be approximately four gallons.
b) Consider how much water each person requires for drinking, food preparation, and hygiene. This includes drinking water, washing hands, brushing teeth, cooking, and sanitation purposes. It is advisable to store enough water to meet your household’s needs for at least three days, but a week’s supply is even better.
c) Plan for large amounts of water if there are sick or elderly people in your household, as they may require additional water for drinking, hygiene, and medical purposes.
d) Take into account any survival filters or water storage calculator recommendations. Survival filters can remove impurities, making water safe for drinking, but they also require an additional water supply to function properly.
Consult your survival filter’s instructions or water storage calculator recommendations to determine your water storage needs accurately.
e) Follow guidelines from authorities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for water storage. These organizations provide valuable information on water storage, sanitation, and emergency preparedness.

Using Our Water Storage Calculator for Accurate Estimations
To determine your household’s water storage requirements, our water storage calculator can provide you with an accurate estimation. It’s a simple tool that takes into account the number of people in your household and your desired storage duration.
a) Input the number of people in your household, including family members, roommates, or anyone else who relies on your water supply.
b) Specify your storage duration, whether it’s for three days, one week, or a longer period, depending on your level of preparedness.
c) The calculator will then provide you with an accurate estimation of your water storage requirements, taking into account drinking, food preparation, hygiene, and sanitation needs.
d) Use the calculator as your starting point for planning your water storage, but remember to consider any additional factors, such as survival filters, elderly family members, or sick individuals, as discussed earlier.
e) Ensure your storage area is clean, secure, and easily accessible. Store water in food-grade containers, such as clean plastic jugs, bottles, or water storage tanks, which are specifically designed for water storage.
Avoid using containers that previously held non-food items, as they may contaminate your water supply.

Essential Guidelines for Sanitizing Stored Water
Ensuring your stored water remains clean and safe for drinking is of utmost importance. Here are some guidelines to follow for water sanitation:
Methods to Sanitize Water: Filters vs. Bleach
a) Filters and bleach are effective methods to sanitize water for emergency storage. Survival filters, such as water filters or purifiers, can remove impurities, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, making water safe for drinking. These filters are specifically designed for emergency water storage and can be a reliable option.
b) Household bleach, when used correctly, can also kill harmful bacteria and viruses in water. The CDC recommends using household liquid bleach that contains 5.25% to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite, without any additives, scents, or colors. Follow the bleach manufacturer’s instructions or the CDC guidelines to properly disinfect your water supply.
c) Consider your storage area, water quality, and personal preferences when choosing a method for water sanitation. Both filters and bleach can be effective, but you should select the method that best suits your needs and circumstances.
d) Follow guidelines from authorities like the CDC for using filters or bleach for water sanitation, as they provide detailed instructions on how much bleach to use, contact time, and water storage practices.

How often should water storage be checked and rotated?
To ensure your water storage remains clean and fresh, it’s essential to regularly check and rotate your water supply. Here are some guidelines to follow:
a) Regularly check your water storage to ensure the water is clean, free from any discoloration, odor, or particles. If you notice any signs of contamination, do not consume the water and replace it immediately.
b) Rotate your water supply every six months to maintain water quality. Label your water containers with the storage date, allowing you to keep track of when it needs to be rotated.
c) Inspect storage containers for any signs of damage, such as leaks or cracks, as these may compromise the water quality. Replace damaged containers promptly.
d) By regularly checking and rotating your water storage, you can ensure its readiness in emergencies, providing your family with clean drinking water when needed.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to have an adequate and reliable water supply during emergencies. Understanding the factors that influence your water requirements and using our water storage calculator can help you determine the right amount to store for your needs.
Additionally, proper sanitization of stored water is essential to ensure its safety for consumption. Whether you choose filters or bleach, regular checks and rotations are necessary to maintain the quality of your stored water.
By being prepared and following these guidelines, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones have enough water to sustain through any emergency situation. Stay safe and be prepared.