As you probably know, a human can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Water is critical during a disaster and a major component of any preparedness kit. You might ask why water is so much more important than food? Water is used by the body for circulation, respiration and digestion.
In addition to the normal loss of water, our bodies are also affected by heat, cold and stress. Of these last three, stress would a constant companion during a disaster situation. Also, depending on the time of the year, we could be subjected to heat or cold. In short, we would not be in a normal situation if we were using our kits for survival supplies.
Dehydration
When our body becomes dehydrated, our blood thickens and our heart must work harder just to circulate it. Other symptoms of dehydration can include lethargy, headaches, loss of strength and confusion. This impairment of our abilities could be extremely critical in a life or death situation.
To avoid dehydration it is suggested that a person consume a minimum of 2 quarts of water per day. This recommendation is based on normal situtions and does not include any amounts we might need for food preparation or daily hygiene. Just remember, this is in a normal situation, not a survival situation.
Our Survival!
Basically, in a disaster situation we would need a minimum of 2 quarts of water per day, per person. For a 72 hour period, we are looking at a MINIMUM of 6 quarts per person. The weight of this water alone would be 12 pounds per person. Again, this is just the minimum.
There are many types of prepackaged water and water containers available for our consideration. If you choose to use your own refillable containers, remember that your water should be changed ever 6 months as a minimum. If you want something with a longer shelf life, you can look at commercially prepared water pouches and boxes that can provide up to a 5 year shelf life.
Can We Compromise?
My position is a compromise between buying water and filling my own containers. I have purchased some commercially packaged water boxes that are similar to a child's drink box. These have a shelf life of 5 years and hold 8.45 ounces per container. Since they are individually packaged, I can distribute the weight easily. If something should happen to one, like a leak, I only lose a small amount of water. I also have refillable water bottles that can be used to hold additional water.
If I can not carry all the water I need for my family, I will have to rely on my bottles and the theory that I can find drinkable water or filter water from natural sources to fill my bottles. So, should 72 hour kits have water filters?
Leave a comment below to share your plans or suggestions for storing and transporting water.
