Emergency Preparedness
When the tap stops, the water you already stored is what you drink. FEMA and the CDC say to store at least one gallon per person per day, for at least three days, and two weeks if you can. A rigid 7-gallon jug like Wirecutter's top-rated Reliance Aqua-Tainer covers one person for about a week and has a spigot, so you are not tipping a heavy container. If closet space is tight, The Prepared likes WaterBrick containers, which stack like bricks and also hold rice or beans. Fill containers with tap water, label them with the date and replace the water every six months. Store them out of sunlight and away from gasoline and chemicals. For weeks of water, see our large water storage tanks guide.
Why it's hereSturdy rigid jug with a stored spigot and tethered vent; Wirecutter's best overall for disaster water storage.
Recommended by Wirecutter (NYT)Out of stock on relianceoutdoors.com Oct 20 2026, so we link Overton's 7-gallon listing.
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-GallonRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Sturdy rigid jug with a stored spigot and tethered vent; Wirecutter's best overall for disaster water storage. | ~$19.88Price checked Oct 20, 2026at overtons.com View product | |
| Runner-up | WaterBrick 3.5-Gallon Stackable Container (2-pack)Recommended by The Prepared | The Prepared: the pick when space is tight; rugged stackable bricks fit closets and under beds. | ~$54.50Price checked Oct 20, 2026at waterbrick.org View product | |
