Water Storage- Step One: Proper Storage Conditions

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You would think storing water is a no brainer, right? It's just water after all, but you would be wrong. The last thing you want to happen is to at the moment you need your water storage you find that it is somehow unusable. This is why I have chosen the actual storage of water to be the first task in water storage, even before you have any water to store! So I figured the best way to discuss this is with a little bit of Do's and Don'ts.

• Don't store water in direct sunlight.
• Do store water in a cool, dry, place.
• Don't continue to store commercially bottled water after its expiration date. The water does not expire, but this is the date when the bottle will start to break down.
• Do rotate trough commercially bottled water to avoid tossing water out.
• Don't open commercially bottled water until you intend to use it.
• Do consider storing water in your freezer as it can serve several purposes. First, a full freezer runs more efficiently saving you money. Second, during a power outage the frozen water bottles will help keep food cold for a long period. Third, it will keep water safe for use.
• Don't use the wrong type of bottle for storing water. Containers from toxic materials and milk jugs are bad choices. There will be more on storing your own water next week.
• Do use any water you bottle your self with in 6 months.
• Don't forget to date your water. If you store it yourself write it on the container, if it comes from the store write the expiration date larger or write the date you bought it if you cannot find a date. 
• Don't use glass bottles to store water in as they are easily breakable
• Do be creative in storing your water. Some great places to store it are under beds, in closets, under other furniture, in cabinets, in drawers, in your basement or garage (as long as it meets the cool, dry place guidelines), or even turn it into a piece of furniture if you are really creative. Add shelves to pantries or deep closets, or even shelves behind where your clothes hang in your closet.
• Do think of water storage as a priority rather than an inconvenience. This will make it easier for you to stay motivated and find places to store your goods. This statement also stands true for food storage.

I hope that gets you thinking about where to store it. Hopefully you have some water stored already in your 72 hour kit, but if not next week I will teach you how to store your own water, which is so simple to do.