7 Day Emergency Water Prepare Guide
This is MINIMUM Recommendations for Survival 1 gallon or 3.8 liters per person every day 1 gallon x 7 days = 7 gallons for EVERY PERSON for 1 week or 26.5 liters per person for 1 week Multiply the number of people x 7 gallons or 26.5 liters for total for 7 days or 1 week
Does NOT include water for hygiene, flushing toilets, pets or washing hands or items
FOR MORE COMFORTABLE EMERGENCY SURVIVAL- Recommended amount Plan for 2 gallons or 7.6 liters per person (adult and child) per day. 2 gallons x 7 days = 14 gallons or 52 liters for every person per day for 7 days Multiply the number of people x 14 or 52 liters for 1 week
This includes: drinking water, some cooking, sponge baths, hygiene like brushing teeth, limited flushing toilets, limited dish washing or washing hands.
IF have Pets- (or other small animals, add 1 gallon total for a week)
Dogs: Small (under 20 lbs) 1/2 gallon or 1.9 liters per day per dog Medium (20-60 lbs) 3/4 gallon or 2.8 liters per day per dog Large (60+ lbs) 1 gallon or 3.75 liters per day per dog Cats: only 1 gallon or 3.75 liters per cat for all 7 days
Reserve in case of spillage or need more if Hot Weather = 7 Gallons or 26.5 liters
Figure HOW MUCH NEEDED: 7 Day or 1 Week Worksheet __Persons x 7 gal (26.5 l) =____ or
__Persons x 14 gal(52 l)= ____ + Dogs = ___ + Cats = ___ + Other Pets = ___ + Any Unique needs your people may have (CPAP, formula)= ___ + Reserve = ___ Add amounts for what your people need and want to store Total Water Storage: _______gallons or liters
Seems like a lot but will be easily done with home storage. Start with saving emptied food grade containers like jars and jugs then do Minimum amounts and add to as able.
Filling your Own Containers – Best is Food Grade Containers, commercial emergency water containers, factory sealed bottled water Good is Food Grade jugs, jars or bottles, water bricks or cubes holding 3-5 gallons, BPA free plastic containers Avoid containers that held milk or chemicals. Can use other jars like pickles, ketchup, anything Food Grade with a tight lid, not squeezable containers or small plastic bowls with lids like butter or yogurt. Test the container – fill with water and shake very hard to see if lid stays on and does not leak.
1. Wash container with soap and water, empty and let air dry 2. Make a solution in a bowl or tub and Sanitize inside of containers with solution of 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of unscented household bleach per quart (9.5 ml) of tap water by rinsing with solution thoroughly and let air dry 3. When dry, fill each container with tap water, Careful to not touch the top or rim of container to avoid germs from hands getting on top where container seals. IF tap water is NOT treated, before putting water into containers – add 8 drops of regular unscented household bleach per 1 gallon (3.75 liters) of water that is poured into containers. 4. Seal container tightly 5. Label each container with date sealed
Storage Location Keep water containers in a cool, dark and dry place OFF of concrete floors, put down cardboard if needed. Store water containers away from gasoline, paint, fertilizer or other chemicals. BEST Temperature – Store containers between 50 F – 70 F or 10 C – 21 C
ROTATE Schedule Every 6 Months – put reminder or on calendar in phone Water you may have filled into clean containers from faucet needs to be rotated out every 6 months.
IF Using water before it expires then replace with fresh containers of water. Put new items at the back of the storage or shelf and older ones in front for quick grab when needed and no worries if expired. *** PRO TIP – write expiration date largely on container with a black marker, store and place container so is easy to read date of when water was sealed.
Store what you drink and Drink what you store to keep unexpired water available for emergency Remember you can go without food for a few days but safe drinking water is necessary for survival.
Drink enough liquids so your body can function properly: Pale urine or light yellow urine is generally a sign of good hydration or water in your body. Dark yellow urine or less urinating could mean you need more fluids like water and electrolyte drinks. IF a hot or humid climate, you may sweat more and therefore, need more water.
***Pro Tip – put bottles of water into freezer – a full freezer can stay good 48 hours, half full only 24 hours, as the bottles thaw you will have cold water to drink as well. You can also move items to eat immediately into a cooler with frozen water bottles for a quick grab and not opening refrigerator.
EMERGENCY NOTE: Severe dehydration (not enough water) can be serious and life threatening. If someone becomes confused, fainting or unconscious – seek Emergency Medical Care immediately.
Water Storage Disclaimer Water-storage recommendations are provided for general emergency-preparedness planning and are not a substitute for official public-health or water-safety guidance. Storage life and safety depend on the container, water source, treatment method, temperature and storage conditions. Do not consume water until it has been properly treated or verified safe.
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