How Much Water Do I Need In My 72 Hour Kit?
Storing water is so important in case of a disaster, but it also helps in other situations. I have always stored 72 hours worth of water in 2 liter soda bottles in case of emergency. Once, while living in an apartment, I was notified that my water would need to be shut off for an unknown amount of time. It ended up being shut off for 2 days! Have you ever tried to flush a toilet without water in it? Let me just say that I was so grateful for the water that I had stored in advance. True, I could’ve run to the store to purchase water, but with a brand new baby at home, it was so nice not to have to. And if it was a disaster situation I was involved in, water on the shelves at the local stores would surely be the first thing to go!
We all know that water is an essential need to our survival, but how much water do we need to have in case of emergency? Emergency officials have said that we all should be able to be self sufficient for 72 hours following a disaster. When we plan out our 72 hour kits, how much water should we be storing for ourselves and our families?
Everyone’s needs may be different, depending upon their age, physical condition, diet, and the climate you are in, but a good rule of thumb for water storage in a 72 hour kit is one gallon per day per person. Hot environments can double the amount needed, and children, nursing women, and ill people will need more as well. Keep in mind, one gallon per day is strictly what is needed for drinking water. If you would like to plan for cooking and basic hygiene needs, 2-3 gallons per day per person would be more adequate. Don’t forget water for your pets. Allow 1 quart per day for each dog or cat.
