Water Security
Clean water is the first thing you need. Storing a little is cheap and easy, and it's the highest-value prep you can do.
Key takeaways
- Store about 4 litres per person per day when possible.
- Minimum 72 hours; a better goal is 7 days.
- Don't forget water for pets and basic hygiene.
Step-by-step
- Store enough. Aim for 4 litres per person per day — about 2L for drinking and 2L for hygiene and cooking. Start with 72 hours, build toward 7 days.
- Add pets and hygiene. Include extra water for pets, washing hands, and cleaning. Sick people, infants, and hot weather need more.
- Label and rotate. Use clean food-grade containers, write the date on each, keep them cool and dark, and refresh every 6–12 months.
- Purify when unsure. If water might be unsafe, boil at a rolling boil for 1 minute, or add 2 drops of unscented bleach per litre and wait 30 minutes.
✅ Printable checklist
- 4L per person per day stored (72 hours min)
- Working toward a 7-day supply
- Water set aside for pets
- Containers labelled with the date
- A purification method ready
