Water is one of the simplest things to overlook when planning for an outage. Start by storing clean drinking water in appropriate containers, then work backward from your household's needs.
Estimate the baseline
FEMA recommends at least one gallon per person per day for several days, including drinking and sanitation. Adjust for heat, pets, health needs, and your household size.
Store thoughtfully
Follow container and manufacturer guidance, label supplies, and rotate water as recommended. Keep water accessible and protected from contamination. If local officials issue a boil-water or do-not-drink notice, follow that specific guidance rather than assuming a consumer filter will solve every hazard.
Further reading: Ready.gov emergency supplies.
Editorial note: We have not independently tested every equipment type discussed. Verify current guidance with appropriate authorities and product manufacturers.
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