When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina this past September, life as we knew it came to a screeching halt.
The storm left us without power, cell service, or Wi-Fi for days. It was a stark reminder of how reliant we are on modern conveniences.
While we are fortunate to have well water, those pumps don’t work without electricity. That experience reinforced the importance of having not only a generator, but also a reliable water storage and purification plan.
In this blog post, I am sharing what we have learned to help you prepare your family for similar emergencies.
Why Water Storage Matters
Water is the foundation of survival. We need it to drink, cook, clean, and take care of our pets.
During Hurricane Helene, we quickly realized how vulnerable our water supply could be without power. That’s why we prioritize storing enough water for all of our family’s needs – including our two dogs!
Emergency experts recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days.
For our family, that means keeping enough water on hand for my husband, daughter, out pets, and me.
If you have larger families or pets, adjust accordingly. Remember, you’ll need extra water for cooking, cleaning, and hygiene.
Water Storage Tips
Here are some practical tips we have found helpful for storing water:
Use Proper Containers:
- Store water in food-grade containers designed for long-term storage.
- Avoid reusing milk jugs—they’re difficult to clean and can break down over time.
Label and Rotate:
Store in a Cool, Dark Place and Off the Concrete
- Keep water containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- A basement, pantry, or storage closet works well.
- Make sure to put cardboard, carpet tiles, or some type of barrier between the concrete and the bottom of your jugs.
Consider Space-Saving Options:
- If space is limited, collapsible water containers or stackable options are great alternatives.
We keep a mix of smaller bottles and larger containers so we can easily grab what we need depending on the situation. Having a few gallon-sized containers is also helpful for cooking and hygiene needs.
Water Purification Methods
Even with the best preparation, emergencies can stretch beyond what you’ve stored. That’s why having a way to purify water is critical.
Days after the hurricane, we saw many filling buckets with water from the creek. In a situation like that, it is extremely important you have high quality filters to run the water through before consuming.
Here are some water purification methods you can use:
Boiling:
- Boiling water for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) kills most pathogens.
- It’s simple and effective if you have a heat source.
Water Filtration Systems:
- Use portable water filter, like a LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini, for quick access to safe drinking water. These are great for camping and emergencies since they’re lightweight and easy to use.
- We use a Berkey filter for our daily drinking water.
Purification Tablets:
- Water purification tablets are compact and inexpensive.
- Follow the instructions carefully to ensure they’re effective.
Bleach:
- Add 1/8 teaspoon (about 8 drops) of unscented household bleach to one gallon of water. Mix well and let it stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
- This method is a good backup but should only be used with clean-looking water.
Gravity-Fed Filters:
- Systems like Berkey water filters are fantastic for larger households.
- They remove bacteria, viruses, and even some chemicals, providing a consistent supply of clean water.
Practical Lessons We’ve Learned
After experiencing over a week with no services, we learned some valuable lessons about prepping. Here are some lessons we’ve learned specifically about water storage and purification.
- Don’t Rely Solely on Stored Water: You’ll be amazed at how quickly a family goes through it.
- Test Your Purification Methods: Before an emergency, make sure you know how to use your filters, tablets, or other tools.
- Include Pets in Your Plan: Our dogs go through a lot of water, especially when they’re stressed from unusual situations.
- Have Backup Power for Your Well Pump: If you’re on a well like us, consider investing in a generator or alternative power source.
Grab Your Free Prepping Checklists
To make your planning easier, I’ve put together a few printable checklists that includes everything you need to start prepping your home.
👉 FREE KIDS AND PETS PREPPING CHECKLIST
Conclusion: Water Storage
Water is life. Having a plan for storage and purification can make all the difference in how you weather an emergency.
Whether you’re dealing with a hurricane like we did, or simply preparing for the unexpected, taking steps now will give you a peace of mind when you need it most.
