Water in an Emergency Continued.

Water should be stored for times when the water supply is disrupted or contaminated. One gallon per person, per day, for a minimum of two weeks is recommended. Water does not need to be disinfected before it's stored if it comes from a good, pretreated source. Commercially filled bottles should be used before the "best if used by" date expires. If you fill your own containers, use the following guidelines:
- Use only food-grade containers.
- Avoid plastic containers that are not embossed with the "PETE" symbol.
- Do not sue plastic milk jugs. They do not have a good seal and can become brittle.
- Never use containers that were previously used to store non-food products.
- Wash containers with warm soapy water and rinse. Before rinsing, sanitize the container by adding water and then 1 tablespoon bleach for each gallon of water. Shake well, turn bottle upside down and let stand for 1 minute, then pour out the bleach water and let the container air-dry. Fill with tap water.
- Rotate your water by periodically emptying and refilling containers.
- Store containers in a dry, clean place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- If there is a concrete floor, place containers on top of a piece of wood/plywood that has been placed on the floor.

Information found in the BRU Guide to Family Preparedness hand-out.