Survival Tip 101: The Importance of Water in Food Storage

Stockpiling food and emergency essentials are a no brainer in times of need. But along with that, we should also be mindful when it comes to stockpiling water as well. Water plays a crucial role when it comes to storing food because both of them go well together.

Aside from drinking, we also use water to cook our favorite meals. Other uses also include washing our hands or dishes, cleaning, bathing, etc. That’s why having water in times of an emergency is a must. In this article, we are going to talk about the importance of storing water and a few tips on how to preserve it for longer use.

Store Water Before It’s Too Late

Emergencies can happen in just a blink of an eye. What was just a peaceful day would turn into a disastrous one without notice. Be it earthquakes, flash floods, hurricanes, or even a pandemic just like what we are currently experiencing right now.

This is why it is vital to be alert in times of need. There’s no excuse to be lazy and just lie around in your bed the whole time without worrying about anything. Because when a crisis strikes, you cannot just storm your way through on stores thinking that there is still something to buy.

Do keep in mind that most establishments during a crisis are closed for good. Either they are destroyed by the flood or earthquake, or they are shutting down for the time being because of a pandemic. And that’s why it is essential to stockpile as early as possible in food, supplies, and, most of all, water.

Proper Planning is The Key

With proper planning, you can divide your water consumption with the whole family so that it will last for weeks or months. You cannot just waste water in times of an emergency. Doing so is a recipe for disaster. That’s why it’s important to plan with everyone to raise awareness of how much water to consume for a day, and so on.

And when it comes to planning your water consumption, it’s better to divide it into batches depending on your needs. Have a water jug that is solely used for cooking, another jug for drinking, another for cleaning, you know the drill. Dividing water equally prevents water waste. It is also the key to make that stored water last for a month or so.

It is very important to plan your water consumption. This is because you cannot just quickly get water everywhere in times of crisis. Sure, there may be tap water running in your sink. But what if it’s contaminated? What if the water pipes are broken because of earthquakes or flash floods, thus, mixing soil into the water?

Another scenario is a pandemic. Take a look at what’s happening in our world right now. Myriads of stores and supermarkets are closing down for the sake of safety, especially in critical areas. So where can we get clean water when that happens, right?

Situations like this should be considered early on so that you and your family can stockpile water before it’s too late.

Water and Food: The Duo No One Can Beat

Most importantly, stockpiling water for food purposes should be your top priority. Food and water together should never be separated. This is because water has a lot of purposes when it comes to food.

Feeling thirsty after having a delicious meal? Drink it up with water. Need to make your dishes saucier? Put some water in it. Preparing some soup for the whole family? Grab that bottle of water and you’re good to go.

As you can see, water is a vital aspect of food that is used for different purposes. Without water, the scenarios we pointed above won’t be possible. That’s why always set aside water for all your drinking and cooking needs and make sure that it will last for weeks, or even months for that matter.

Which Container Type is Best for Storing Water?

Now that is a great question that you should keep in mind. Different container types play a huge role in the storage life of your water. You cannot just grab a random jug out of nowhere and think that it is already “good enough” to store your water. This is why container usage should also be a factor that you should consider for water storage.

Large barrel

Storing water in a large barrel is suitable for long-term use. However, the water you should fill inside a large barrel should only be used for cleaning and bathing. This is because water that is stored in large barrels tend to contaminate easier. Keep in mind that large barrels should be placed near your kitchen, where you can easily access it when it comes to washing your dishes or cleaning your hands.

Portable water containers

Portable water containers such as jars and food-grade plastic bottles are best for water that you will use for drinking and cooking. And with its compact nature, you can carry it anywhere, especially when it’s time to evacuate. You can also put them inside a fridge as well so you can have fresh and cold water to drink and quench that thirst.

Water purifier

We already know that tap water is undrinkable, especially when a disaster strikes. That’s why it is best to invest in a water purifier so you can have drinkable water in times of crisis. Though a bit pricey, a water purifier is worth getting if you have the money to do so. You can also connect it to any water source, including your sink, so you can have unlimited drinking water without being contaminated.

Tips in Preserving Water

Water won’t last long if you don’t preserve it properly. Here are some water preservation tips before ending this article.

• Wash your water containers – A dirty water container is a disaster waiting to happen. So before stockpiling water, make sure that all containers are clean and free from dirt.
• Store them in a cool and dark place – This is important, especially for drinking water. Make sure that you don’t put them somewhere near a heat source. Better yet, put them inside the fridge just like we mentioned earlier.
• Make sure that all the water containers are tightly secured – This applies to all water container types. Ensure that the lids or caps are sealed properly to keep insects and pests at bay.

And that’s it! By stockpiling on water and storing it properly, there will be enough water for the whole family to use in times of an emergency. Always remember to keep safe and stay alert!