Emergency water storage
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Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days; aim for two weeks if practical. Allow more for heat, illness, pregnancy and pets. Use commercially bottled water or clean food-grade containers, and keep it cool and away from chemicals.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
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In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Calculate needs
Count people and days and add water for pets and extra needs.
- 02
Choose containers
Use commercially bottled water or food-grade containers intended for water.
- 03
Label and store
Mark fill dates and store away from sunlight, fuel and cleaning products.
- 04
Rotate supplies
Follow bottled-water dates and replace self-filled stored water every six months.
Next steps.
Learn the local advisory system. Plan how to transport water if distribution sites open.
Watch for.
Do not reuse containers that held toxic substances, even after washing.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. Recheck official instructions during an active event.