How much water should we store?
A common guideline is a gallon per person per day for several days. How to calculate, store and rotate it.
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Emergency agencies commonly suggest at least one gallon of water per person per day, for several days at minimum. Many recommend planning for longer in the Bay Area, since water systems may take time to restore after a major quake.
Do the maths
Multiply the number of people by the number of days you want to cover. Add extra for pets, hot weather, nursing mothers and anyone who is ill. It adds up fast, which is why storage needs planning.
How to store it
- Commercially bottled water, kept sealed and cool
- Food-grade containers, cleaned and filled from the tap
- Away from direct sunlight and chemicals
- In more than one place, in case part of the home is damaged
Rotate it
Write the date on containers. Replace stored tap water regularly and check bottled water dates.
Hidden reserves
Your water heater holds a usable supply if it’s strapped and doesn’t fall. Learn how to drain it safely. Never drink water from a pool or hot tub.
Water is part of the kit section in the preparedness guides. Check official agency guidance for current recommendations.
Earthquake readiness for Bay Area homes: kits, retrofits, plans