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Water Storage Guidelines
 
 
Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Follow the containers “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.
 
If you choose to package water yourself, consider the following guidelines:
 
Containers
 
    * Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.
    * Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
    * Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.
    * Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
 
Water Pretreatment:
 
    * Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.
    * Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
 
Storage:
 
    * Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.
    * Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.
    * Protect stored water from light and heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing.
 
* The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.
 
Additional Information
 
 
 
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Three-Month Food Supply
 
 
 
Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.
 
Also check out having an emergency backpack kit or something you can take on the run.
 
Longer-Term Supply
 
For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.
 
These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.
 
Storage Conditions
 
 
Storage life can be significantly impacted by the following conditions:
 
    * Temperature: Store products at a temperature of 75°F/24°C or lower whenever possible. If storage temperatures are higher, rotate products as needed to maintain quality.
 
 
    * Moisture: Keep storage areas dry. It is best to keep containers off of the floor to allow for air circulation.
    * Light: Protect cooking oil and products stored in PETE bottles from light.
    * Insects and rodents: Protect products stored in foil pouches and PETE bottles from rodent and insect damage.
 
 
Packaging Recommendations
 
 
Recommended containers for longer-term storage include the following:
 
    * #10 cans
    * Foil pouches
    * PETE bottles (for dry products such as wheat, corn, and beans)
 
These containers, used with oxygen absorber packets, eliminate food-borne insects and help preserve nutritional quality and taste.
 
Under certain conditions, you can also use plastic buckets for longer-term storage of wheat, dry beans, and other dry products.
 
Warning:Botulism poisoning may result if moist products are stored in packaging that reduces oxygen. When stored in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers, products must be dry (about 10% or less moisture content).
 
Emergency Tips
 
 
 
Blizzard
 
    * Keep candles and matches in your home, along with warm clothing and blankets
    * If caught by a winter storm while driving, stay in the vehicle.
    * Don't take back roads to get around highways that have been closed off. They're likely to be equally impassible.
    * Keep cold-weather gear in the vehicle.
 
Fire
 
    * Install fire alarms on every level and outside every bedroom. Replace batteries twice a year. An wasy way to remember is to switch them every time the clocks are changed for daylight saving's time.
    * All family members should practice an escape plan so everyone knows where to go in the event of a fire.
    * Buy fire extinguishers, learn how to use them, and have the inspected every year.
 
Flood
 
    * Learn if your home is in a flood-prone area.
    * Move valuables to higher ground.
    * Raise breakers, fuse boxes, and meters above the anticipated flood level.
 
Tornado
 
    * Anchor mobile homes with appropriate tiedowns.
    * Tie down loose items to keep them from becoming dangerous missiles.
    * Purchase a battery-operated radio to listen for weather updates.
 
 
Make your own emergency disaster kit
 
The Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend families keep on hand a disaster kit with supplies for at least three days.
 
    * Water: One gallon of water per day. Replace bottles every six months.
    * Food: Choose foods that do not need to be refrigerated or cooked and require as little water as possible. Rotate food out every six months.
    * First aid kit: The more comprehensive the better. Don't forget prescription medications that will be needed. Be sure to check expiration dates.
    * Tools and other emergency supplies: items such as a knife, pliers, or a flashlight that will come in handy if stuck in one place for a long time.
    * Sanitation: Things such as disinfectant, bleach, and hygiene prodcuts that are needed to keep clean.
    * Clothing: At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, plus sturdy work shoes and gloves that could come in handy.
    * Blankets or sleeping bags.
 
Develop a family communication plan
 
    * Contact person: Pick someone who lives out of state that everyone can call to get in touch with. The contact person should have everyone's number and live far enough away so it's unlikely he or she will be affected by the same event.
    * Meeting places: Designate two meeting places to be used in an emergency - one right outside the home and one further away if the home is no longer an option.
 
Bottom Line make an Emergency plan so you won't be in CHAOS!!