Introduction
While it is never a bad idea to have an emergency stash of food and water, there are a few things you should keep in mind before hoarding supplies. First, consider your local climate and weather patterns. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters, it makes sense to have a supply of water on hand in case of flooding or power outages. Second, think about the size of your family and how much water each person would need in a crisis situation. A good rule of thumb is to have at least four bottles of water per person, per day. Finally, remember that water can go bad, so be sure to rotate your stock regularly and use it before it expires.
The Pros of stockpiling water
Storing water is essential in the case of an emergency, natural disaster, or power outage. If you have a water stockpile, you will have a water supply to last you until the tap water is safe to drink again or until the water is turned back on.
It’s free
One of the main pros of stockpiling water is that it’s free. Water is an essential resource, but it’s also one of the most abundant resources on earth. There’s no need to spend money on bottled water when you can stockpile water for free.
Another pro of stockpiling water is that it’s a great way to be prepared for emergencies. If a natural disaster strikes or the power goes out, having a stockpile of water will ensure that you and your family have access to clean, safe drinking water.
Finally, stockpiling water can also help you save money in the long run. If you live in an area with high water rates, having a stockpile of water can help you avoid costly penalties for using too much water.
It’s easy
Water is essential for human life. We need it to drink, cook, clean and bathe. Most of us take water for granted, but it’s a precious resource that we can’t live without.
While water is readily available in most parts of the world, there are areas where it is scarce. Droughts and natural disasters can disrupt the water supply, leaving communities without access to clean water.
In times of emergency, it’s important to have a stockpile of water so you can continue to live your life with minimal disruption. Here are some of the pros of stockpiling water:
-It’s easy to do: All you need is a few containers to store the water in. You can buy purpose-built barrels or repurpose old milk jugs and soda bottles.
-It’s relatively inexpensive: Water is relatively cheap, especially if you buy it in bulk. Storing a few months’ worth of water won’t cost you a lot of money.
-It’s vital for survival: In an emergency situation, having a stockpile of water will ensure that you have enough to drink, cook with and clean with. It could literally mean the difference between life and death.
-It gives you peace of mind: Knowing that you have a reserve of water in case of an emergency can give you peace of mind and help you relax in times of stress.
You can control the quality
One of the main benefits of stockpiling water is that you can control the quality. When you purchase bottled water, you can check the labels to see where it came from and what kind of treatment it received. You can also buy filters to purify water from questionable sources.
Another benefit of stockpiling water is that it’s there when you need it. In an emergency situation, tap water may not be available or safe to drink. If you have a stockpile of clean water, you won’t have to worry about where your next drink will come from.
A final benefit of stockpiling water is that it can be used for more than just drinking. If your plumbing fails or a natural disaster strikes, you’ll be glad you have a stash of water for cooking, bathing, and cleaning.
The Cons of stockpiling water
While it is important to have a water supply in case of an emergency, stockpiling water can have some negative consequences. Storing large amounts of water can be expensive, and if you live in an area with a lot of humidity, it can be difficult to keep the water from going bad. There are also safety concerns to consider if you have young children in the home.
It takes up space
While it’s important to have a water supply in case of an emergency, it’s also important to consider the cons of stockpiling water. One con is that it takes up space. If you don’t have a lot of storage space, you may not be able to stockpile enough water to last you through an extended emergency.
Another con is that water can go bad. If you don’t rotate your stockpile and use the oldest water first, the water can become contaminated and unsafe to drink. You should also be aware that stored water can freeze and expand, which can cause containers to break.
Finally, stockpiling water can be expensive. If you need to buy bottles or containers, the cost of doing so can add up quickly. Plus, if you live in an area with high water rates, the cost of stockpiling enough water to last you through an emergency can be prohibitive.
It can go bad
If you’re thinking of stockpiling water for an emergency, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s important to use food-grade water storage containers to prevent the growth of bacteria and other organisms that could cause illness. Second, you need to rotating your water supply every six months to ensure that it stays fresh. And third, remember that stored water can go bad – even if it’s stored in a food-grade container.
Water can go bad for a number of reasons. If it’s not stored properly, it can become contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause illness. Additionally, water can go bad if it’s exposed to light or air for extended periods of time, which can cause it to develop an unpleasant taste and odor. Finally, water can go bad if it’s stored in an area with high temperatures, as this can cause the chemical composition of the water to change.
If you do decide to stockpile water for an emergency, be sure to follow these tips to ensure that your water stays fresh and safe to drink:
-Use only food-grade water storage containers.
-Rotate your water supply every six months.
-Store your water in a cool, dark place.
-Make sure the containers are tightly sealed.
You might not need it
While it’s always good to be prepared for disasters, you might not need to stockpile as much water as you think. The average person uses about 80-100 gallons of water per day, so a family of four would need 400 gallons. But most of thatwater is used for things like showering, flushing toilets, and washing dishes — none of which you would need to do if you had no running water during an emergency.
In addition, the CDC recommends storing at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking — but that’s for a minimum of three days. If you live in an area with a lot of natural resources, such as a river or lake, you might not need to store as much water since you can purify it from those sources if necessary.
And finally, keep in mind that water is heavy — one gallon weighs about 8.3 pounds. So if you’re stockpiling water, make sure you have a way to store it that won’t collapse under the weight.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that it’s always a good idea to have a few days’ worth of water on hand in case of an emergency. If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters, you may want to have even more stored away. But for most people, a three-day supply should be sufficient.