September is national emergency preparedness month and a great time to check and restock your emergency water supply. At minimum that should include a gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days. Store more than the minimum if possible; you’ll need water for drinking, food prep, hygiene, pets, and more.
Commercially bottled water is recommended for your emergency supply, but if bottling your own you can purchase food-grade water containers at camping supply stores. If you’ll be reusing containers, sanitized two-liter plastic soft drink bottles are a good choice. Avoid heavy glass containers or ones previously used for milk or fruit juice. Sanitize containers with a teaspoon of unscented household bleach per quart of water; swish the solution in your containers and rinse well. Fill your cleaned containers with drinking water and cap tightly while avoiding touching the inside of the cap. Write the date on the container and store in a cool, dark location not sitting on concrete where leaching chemicals can destroy the plastic. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends replacing your self-bottled water every six months.
