The Best Water Storage Containers

I want to share my ideas for the best water storage containers today. We all want to store water for our family in case of an unforeseen natural disaster and as part of our emergency preparedness plan. In my book, “Prepare Your Family For Survival,” I recommend 4 gallons of water per person per day. We need water for hydration, cooking, personal hygiene, and limited laundry. When it comes to cooking or preparing food in an emergency, the water we store complements our food storage, since many items require water during preparation.

A Little Note From My Heart About Water Storage

Friends, I have to be honest with you about something that has been weighing on me. I wrote my post on how to store water because I truly believe it is one of the most important things any family can do to prepare. Water is life. We can go weeks without food, but only days without water. I have been encouraging people for years to start storing water now, before they need it.

Now so many of the items I recommended are out of stock, and my inbox is full of sweet people asking me where they can find them. I have to tell you, it breaks my heart, and it frustrates me. We don’t have a secret warehouse. I am seeing the same empty shelves and the same “currently unavailable” messages you are. It is hard to tell people to get prepared and then watch the tools they need disappear.

This is exactly why I keep saying we need to prepare before the rush, not during it. When everyone tries to buy the same thing at the same time, the shelves empty fast. I don’t say that to scold anyone. I say it because I care about you and your family, and I want the next time to be easier for you.

Please Don’t Panic

Please don’t give up, and please don’t panic. You can still start storing water today with what you already have. Clean, sturdy plastic bottles that held juice or soda can be washed, sanitized, and refilled. Skip milk jugs because they break down and are hard to clean thoroughly. Check your local hardware stores, farm supply stores, and restaurant supply stores, because they sometimes have food-grade containers when the big online stores are sold out. Ask friends and neighbors, too. Many of us have extra containers tucked away in the garage. And check back with the stores often, because restocks do come.

Start small. One case of water a week, or one refilled bottle at a time, adds up faster than you think. Preparedness is not about doing it all at once. It is about doing a little bit, consistently.

Thank you for trusting me and for caring enough about your family to take this step. I’m right here with you, and I’ll keep sharing what I find as things come back in stock.

Now, the American Red Cross recommends one gallon per person per day for your emergency water storage needs. I get thirsty just thinking about only one gallon being available. Is it because I live in the desert? Possibly. In case you missed this post, The Best 5-Gallon Water Jugs.

I use a product called Water Preserver to protect the water in my long-term water storage containers from contamination, so I only have to change out the water every five years. I know other products are available, but I use this. Water Preserver (unavailable)

I have a 160-gallon water storage tank and a large heavy-duty 250-gallon tank stored in my garage. These tanks are made from food-grade plastic and are BPA-free. I don’t want to change the water every six months, as I would if I used unscented chlorine bleach as my treatment agent. Besides, I’ve never liked the taste of the water supply when treated with bleach.

Unscented Bleach

I don’t recommend unscented bleach, but if you decide to use it, you should add 2 drops to 1 quart of water and rotate your water every 6 months using this bleach treatment.

If you’re still deciding which water storage container(s) to buy, let’s discuss some options today. Keep in mind that I’m talking about long-term containers.

You may have seen some of my containers before, but many people haven’t. I suggest we need several methods for storing water. Let’s get started with a few today. I’m visual, so I’ll share pictures of my containers with you so you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Please keep your water safe by storing it on two-by-4s of wood to keep it off the ground or concrete, which may leach into the container. You don’t want chemicals to leach into the water container(s)! Please use a lead-free hose, like this one, when filling your water containers from any water source, including tap water. Lead-Free Hose

The Best Water Storage Containers

High-Capacity Water Tanks

The tank shown below holds 250 gallons of water. It sits on top of 2-by-4s to keep it off the concrete. We also used a strap around it, attached to the wall with a strong hook screwed into a wood stud, to hold it in place in case of an earthquake.

You can fill it from the top and drain it with a spout about 18 inches off the ground. Another spigot is close to the floor, so it can be completely drained when needed. I saw a unit very similar to this one at Costco last month. I think they had it priced at about $599, which was a great deal, but I didn’t see one the last time I was there.

Medium Size Tanks

Some years ago, I purchased the water storage tank shown below from WaterInsured.com. I just tried to check out any new product offerings on their website, but they didn’t come up, so I’m not sure this company is still in business. I’m sure there are other companies with similar tanks.

This one stores 160 gallons. It is unique in shape, being oblong, measuring 36″ x 29″. It measures approximately 42″ tall, including the tank filler cap on top. I understood that they built it to that width so it could fit through a door at least 30″ wide.

Note the large filler cap that screws on the top of the unit. I did notice it had a small cap in an indentation on the side of the tank’s top, so you can use natural water pressure when draining by simply loosening the cap.

Also, note the raised ridges on top. These were designed to accommodate another tank stacked on top so the second tank wouldn’t be prone to shifting or sliding. The tank has a bottom-mounted fixture for efficient draining if needed.

I also used the Water Preserver product in this tank to protect the 160 gallons of water. Note the 2″ x 4″ wood slats on the bottom for support. This is the company where I bought mine years ago: Water Prepared.

Small 55-Gallon Barrels

This is my least favorite way to store water. The good thing is, at least in Utah, they cost about $40.00 without the covers. They used to carry these at Walmart, but I’m not sure if they still do.

Because I live in the desert, I opted to buy UV Barrel Bags to protect the blue barrels from the heat. I purchased the first set of Barrel Bags about ten years ago.

I just recently replaced them. Remember that temperatures can reach 117 degrees in Southern Utah in the summer. When I removed the old covers, the barrels looked like new ones. I was so happy to see no destruction from the sun.

Occasionally, we get freezing temperatures, so I never fill them completely full. I leave room for expansion in case the water freezes in the winter. Here are the things you will need if you decide to get 55-gallon barrels:

• A Bung (to loosen or tighten the closure cap)
• A Barrel Pump ( you need this to get the water out; there are no spigots)
• UV Barrel Bags
• Water Preserver (one container per barrel). Sorry, unavailable.

WaterBricks

The WaterBrick on the left can hold 3.5 gallons of liquid or 27 pounds of dry food. The WaterBrick on the right can hold 1.6 gallons of water (currently unavailable) or 13 pounds of dry food. If you want a WaterBrick Spigot, this is it. The Water Preserver is needed if you only want to rotate your water every five years. WaterBrick (some items are delayed)

Years ago, in my guest room, I stored 56 gallons of water in my WaterBricks under a queen-size bed (depending on your bed frame and leg height).

WaterBrick Tips – Great Portable Containers

• Dimensions of the WaterBricks (3.5-gallons)  9″ W x 18″ L x 6″ H 
• Dimensions of the WaterBricks (1.6-gallons) 9″ W x 9″ L x 6″ H
• These are stackable and offer portability; 16 of the 3.5-gallon sizes will fit under my queen-sized bed (56 gallons total)
• They also stack/interlock for easy storage, yet you can quickly grab one and go with the provided handle.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of Water Preserver to store for five years of clean water; change the water every five years (for the 3.5-gallon size) 
• They have convenient handles with a “grip” to protect your hand. The handle folds into the unit for easy storage and stacking. Though portable, they are highly durable.

What about using smaller containers like empty milk jugs?

I’ve often been asked why I don’t write about or recommend the smaller jugs. I worry about several issues, such as whether they were adequately cleaned out before water was added, whether they are made of food- or water-safe plastic designed for extended storage, and whether chemicals will leach into the container if left on the ground or concrete.

My experience has been that they are also prone to leaking. However, they are pretty handy for short-term use if other options aren’t available, and they are free since you’re reusing them.

A better option may be the heavier plastic containers used for fruit juices. They tend to have thicker plastic that should hold up better over time. I’ve also heard that larger vinegar containers tend to hold up okay for short-term water storage.

Water Filter Systems Are A Good Investment

This post lists the containers I suggest you use, but don’t forget that the water may need to be treated BEFORE it’s placed in the container. You don’t want to fill these storage containers during a disaster, but you may need to replace the water if it’s used during the emergency. Hopefully, the local water utility has been able to keep the water from contamination during the emergency. A wise backup plan is to have water filter systems in place before you need them.

I like products from Big Berkey and PortaWell. The Big Berkey units rely on gravity to filter water, while the PortaWell units use a battery-powered pump. They even have a solar panel option to charge the battery, if needed. That makes the PortaWell approach more feasible if you plan to filter a larger volume of water, such as the 250-gallon tank discussed today. The PortaWell units can filter up to 60 gallons per hour, which is awesome!

Water Storage: How Much Do You Really Need?

PortaWell™: The Best Portable Water Filtration Unit

Final Word

Please think about adding more water storage containers to your stash. It’s all about being prepared for the unexpected. We can do this one container at a time, right? Please tell me your favorite containers for storing water; I’d love to hear from you. May God bless this world, Linda

The post The Best Water Storage Containers appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

The Last Garden Day Of The Year

There is a Saturday every fall when I want everybody outside. Not an hour here and twenty minutes tomorrow, but one day, one list, and one final push before the garden belongs to winter. This works far better than letting cleanup drag into December. A hose gets forgotten behind the shed, a rain barrel freezes […]

from Survivopedia

Kitchen Items Every Cook From Scratch Parent Needs

Cooking from scratch is one of the best gifts we can give our families. It saves money, it stretches our food storage, and it lets us know exactly what’s going into the meals we put on the table. But let me be honest with you, my friends: cooking from scratch is so much easier when you have the right tools in your kitchen. You don’t need a fancy gourmet setup or a kitchen full of gadgets. You just need a handful of dependable, hardworking items that will serve you well for years.

Today I want to share the kitchen items every cook-from-scratch mom or dad needs. These are the tools I reach for again and again, and many of them have been with me for a very long time. Whether you’re just starting your scratch-cooking journey or have been at it for years, I hope this list helps you build a kitchen that works for your family. This picture below had 2.1 million views in two days on FaceBook/Instagram. That has never happened to me. I really feel like people want to learn to make bread, right?

Why the Right Kitchen Tools Matter for Scratch Cooking

When you cook from scratch, you make bread, soups, casseroles, cookies, and sauces using basic pantry ingredients. That means more chopping, mixing, baking, and storing than if you were opening a box. Good tools save you time and energy, and they help you turn your stored flour, sugar, beans, pasta, and rice into meals your family will love.

Quality tools are also part of being prepared. If the grocery store shelves are thin or money is tight, a well-equipped kitchen lets you make nearly anything from the basics you already have on hand.

1. Bread Maker

A bread maker is one of my favorite tools for busy families. You simply add your flour, yeast, water, salt, sugar, and oil, choose your setting, and walk away. A few hours later, your home smells like a bakery.

I love that a bread maker takes the guesswork out of kneading and rising. Many machines also have a dough setting, so you can let the machine do the hard work, then shape your dough into dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, or pizza crust, and bake them in your oven. If you store wheat or flour for long-term food storage, a bread maker helps you actually use it. Homemade bread costs a fraction of store-bought bread, and you control every ingredient. My good friend has this one: Cuisinart Bread Maker. I have this one: Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus 2 Lb Breadmaker. We set ours on “Dough” and then bake two loaves in our kitchen stove when the bread maker finishes mixing, resting, and rising. I use these pans (one pound each). Size:  7.75 x 3.75 x 2.5. Fat Daddio Bread Pans.

2. Hand Mixer, KitchenAid Stand Mixer, or Bosch Bread Mixer

Not everyone has the counter space or budget for a large stand mixer, and that’s perfectly fine. A good hand mixer can handle most of your everyday mixing jobs. I use mine for whipping cream, mashing potatoes, beating eggs, and mixing cake batter and cookie dough.

A hand mixer is lightweight, easy to store in a drawer or cupboard, and quick to clean. Look for one with several speed settings and sturdy beaters. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference.

If you have the counter space and the budget, a KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a wonderful upgrade from a hand mixer. It handles heavy jobs like mixing large batches of cookie dough and whipping frosting, leaving your hands free for other tasks. I love that it can run on its own while I measure the next ingredients or wipe down the counter. KitchenAid also offers attachments like a pasta roller, meat grinder, and shredder, so one machine can do the work of several. With good care, a KitchenAid Stand Mixer can last for decades, and many families pass theirs down to the next generation. Please note: I DON’T recommend it for making bread. They go on sale at Costco and Sam’s frequently, so keep your eyes open for a special deal.

A Bosch bread mixer is a favorite among serious home bread bakers, and for good reason. Its powerful motor sits beneath the bowl, giving it the strength to knead large batches of heavy whole-wheat dough without straining. You can mix enough dough for several loaves at once, which is perfect for busy families who want to bake for the whole week or stock the freezer. Many families who store wheat love the Bosch because it pairs so well with freshly ground flour, and attachments like a blender, slicer, and grain mill make it even more useful. If homemade bread is a regular part of your kitchen, a Bosch bread mixer is an investment that’ll serve you well for many years.

I need my Bosch when I’m making dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, or anytime I need to use 14 cups of flour. My 6-quart KitchenAid would burn up the motor with that much flour. My six-quart works great for what I need it for. Now I see they have 7-quart and 8-quart units.

3. Whisks and Danish Whisks

Every scratch kitchen needs a few whisks. I like to keep a large balloon whisk for eggs and batters, a smaller whisk for sauces and gravies, and a flat whisk for getting into the corners of a skillet. Whisks and Danish Whisks.

A whisk helps you make smooth gravy without lumps, blend dry ingredients evenly, and whip up a quick salad dressing. They’re inexpensive, they last forever, and they never need electricity. That makes them a wonderful tool for preparedness too.

4. Cast Iron Pans

If I could only keep one type of pan, it would be cast iron. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will last for generations. Many families still cook with the same skillets their grandmothers used, and I just love that.

Cast iron goes from the stovetop to the oven, and it can even be used over a campfire or on a grill if the power goes out. It holds heat beautifully, which makes it perfect for searing meat, frying potatoes, baking cornbread, and making skillet cookies.

To care for your cast iron, wash it with hot water and a brush, dry it completely right away, and rub a thin layer of oil on it while it’s still warm. With a little love, your cast iron pans will get better every year.

5. Bread Pans

Even if you own a bread maker, you’ll want a few good bread pans. Baking loaves in the oven gives you that classic shape that’s perfect for sandwiches and toast. Bread pans are also wonderful for banana bread, zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, and meatloaf.

I recommend having at least two bread pans so you can bake a double batch. Freeze one loaf and enjoy the other right away. Glass, metal, and stoneware all work well, so choose the style you like best. I use these pans (one-pound loaves per pan). Size:  7.75 x 3.75 x 2.5. Fat Daddio Bread Pans.

6. Casserole Pans

Casserole pans are the backbone of family dinners. A standard 9-by-13-inch pan is a must for lasagna, enchiladas, baked chicken, breakfast casseroles, brownies, and sheet cakes. I also like to keep an 8-by-8-inch pan for smaller meals and side dishes.

Casseroles are a wonderful way to use what you have in your pantry and freezer. You can assemble one in the morning, refrigerate it, and bake it at dinnertime. Many casseroles also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for stocking your freezer or for taking a meal to a neighbor who needs a little help. This is my favorite casserole dish; it cleans up so easily. Emile Henry Casserole Pan

7. Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile pieces in my kitchen. It’s a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, usually made from cast iron or enameled cast iron. You can brown meat, simmer soups and stews, braise roasts, cook beans, and even bake crusty artisan bread in it.

A Dutch oven works on the stove, in the oven, and outdoors over a charcoal fire. That makes it an excellent tool for emergency cooking. If you only buy one large pot, I truly believe a Dutch oven is worth it. It’s one of those kitchen items every cook-from-scratch mom or dad will use week after week.

Please note: the Ceramic Dutch Ovens can only be used indoors, not on charcoal.

8. Butter Bell for Butter

Have you ever tried to spread cold butter on a soft slice of homemade bread and torn it right in half? A Butter Bell solves that problem. It’s a two-piece crock that keeps butter soft and spreadable on your counter without letting it spoil quickly.

You pack softened butter into the bell-shaped lid, add a little cool water to the base, and place the lid upside down into the base. The water creates a seal that keeps air out and helps keep the butter fresh. Just change the water every few days. I love having soft butter ready for warm rolls, toast, and pancakes. Butter Bell

9. Souper Cubes for Storage

Souper Cubes are silicone freezer trays with lids that let you freeze soups, broths, sauces, and leftovers in perfectly portioned blocks. They come in several sizes, and each compartment has fill lines so you know exactly how much you’re freezing.

Here is how I use them. I make a big pot of soup, chili, or homemade bone broth, ladle it into the Souper Cubes, and freeze it. Once the portions are frozen solid, I pop them out and store them in a freezer bag or container. Then I can pull out just what I need for a quick lunch or dinner. This saves freezer space, reduces waste, and makes scratch cooking feel so much easier on busy days. Souper Cubes I freezer my rice, buttermilk, my homemade dog food, encore meals, etc. You can even bake in them (please read the directions; I have never cooked in them).

10. Stashers for Making Food Ahead of Time

Stasher bags are reusable silicone storage bags, and I use them all the time for meal prep. They can go in the freezer, the refrigerator, and the dishwasher, so they’re wonderful for making food ahead of time. Stashers for my Bread Mixture and the Stasher Racks

I use Stashers to marinate meat, store chopped vegetables, freeze homemade freezer meals, pack snacks, and keep cookie dough ready to bake. Because they’re reusable, they save money on disposable plastic bags over time. When you spend an afternoon prepping meals for the week, having good storage bags makes the whole process go more smoothly.

11. Cookie Sheets

Good cookie sheets aren’t just for cookies. I use mine for roasting vegetables, baking chicken, making sheet pan dinners, toasting nuts, drying herbs, and freezing berries or meatballs before I bag them.

I recommend having at least two or three heavy rimmed baking sheets. Thin, flimsy pans can warp in the oven and burn the bottoms of your cookies. A sturdy pan bakes evenly and will last for years.

12. Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is one of those simple things that makes life so much easier. Line your cookie sheets, cake pans, and bread pans with parchment, and your baked goods slide right off. Cleanup becomes almost effortless.

I also use parchment paper to separate layers of cookies or burger patties in the freezer, to roll out pie crust, and to wrap foods for baking. It’s an inexpensive item worth keeping in your pantry at all times.

13. Kitchen Drawer Organizers

In case you didn’t know, I am OCD. I have to have “stuff” organized. I have kitchen drawer organizers. When you cook from scratch, you collect measuring cups, measuring spoons, spatulas, whisks, peelers, and wooden spoons. If your drawers are a jumbled mess, you waste precious time digging for what you need.

Drawer organizers keep everything in its place so you can grab the right tool quickly. I like adjustable dividers because they can be rearranged as my needs change. An organized kitchen is a calmer kitchen, and when the kitchen is calm, cooking becomes a joy rather than a chore. IDesign Kitchen Drawer Organizers

14. Instant Pot/Zavor Pressure Cooker

An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that has become a real workhorse in many scratch cooking kitchens, including mine. It can pressure-cook, sauté, steam, slow-cook, and keep food warm, all in one pot. That means fewer dishes and more time with your family. Please note, I have a Zavor pressure cooker. I taught classes, and that’s the one I used to teach people before the Instant Pot became so popular. I bought an Instant Pot to try and gave it away to someone. A lot of people love them. Instant Pot

What I love most about the Instant Pot is how it helps me use my food storage. Dried beans that would normally need to soak overnight and simmer for hours can be cooked in a fraction of the time. Brown rice, steel-cut oats, and tough cuts of meat become tender and delicious in under an hour. I also use mine to make homemade bone broth, yogurt, applesauce, and hard-boiled eggs that peel so easily.

The sauté function is a wonderful bonus. You can brown your meat and onions right in the pot, then add your liquids and pressure cook your soup or stew without dirtying another pan. On those busy evenings when dinner needs to happen fast, the Instant Pot is a true blessing.

One quick note for my canning friends: even though the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker, it isn’t recommended for pressure canning. Please continue to use a proper pressure canner to preserve low-acid foods safely.

15. Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is one of the simplest and most dependable tools a busy mom or dad can own. You add your ingredients in the morning, set it to low or high, and come home to a hot, hearty meal ready to serve. There’s something so comforting about walking in the door to the smell of dinner already cooking.

Slow cookers are perfect for soups, stews, chili, pot roast, pulled pork, shredded chicken, and even oatmeal overnight. They turn inexpensive cuts of meat into tender, flavorful meals, which helps stretch your grocery budget. I often use mine on Sundays so dinner is waiting for us after church.

A slow cooker is also wonderful for feeding a crowd. Take it to potlucks, family gatherings, and church dinners, or use it to keep food warm during holidays when your oven is full.

For food safety, always thaw meat before adding it to your slow cooker, and boil dried red kidney beans for at least 10 minutes before slow-cooking them. With those simple steps, your slow cooker will serve your family well for many years.

16. Can Opener

A good can opener may seem small, but it’s one of the most important tools in any scratch-cooking or food-storage kitchen. Whether you’re opening canned tomatoes for a pot of chili or reaching for canned beans from your pantry, you need an opener that works every single time. I always recommend keeping a sturdy manual can opener on hand, even if you own an electric unit, because it’ll still work when the power goes out. Look for one with comfortable handles and a sharp cutting wheel, and consider keeping an extra in your emergency kit. After all, your food storage is only helpful if you can open it.

Why It’s Important To Know How To Cook From Scratch

Tips for Building Your Scratch Cooking Kitchen on a Budget

You don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with the items you’ll use most, like a cast iron skillet, a casserole pan, and a cookie sheet. Then add one item at a time as your budget allows.

Check thrift stores, yard sales, and estate sales for cast iron and Dutch ovens. You can often find older pieces that only need a good cleaning and a fresh coat of seasoning.

Ask for kitchen tools as birthday or Christmas gifts. Family members are often happy to give something practical that you’ll use every day.

Buy quality when you can. A well-made pan or Dutch oven may cost a little more up front, but it will outlast cheaper options many times over.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important kitchen item for cooking from scratch?

If I had to choose just one, I would pick a cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven. Both are incredibly versatile and will last a lifetime with proper care.

Do I really need a bread maker to make homemade bread?

No, you can absolutely make bread by hand. A bread maker simply saves time and effort, which is a big help for busy parents.

Are Souper Cubes worth it?

If you make soups, broths, or sauces in large batches, Souper Cubes make freezing and portioning so much easier. They help you use what you cook and reduce waste.

How do Stasher bags help with meal prep?

Stashers are reusable and safe for the freezer and dishwasher, so they’re perfect for marinating, storing prepped ingredients, and freezing make-ahead meals.

Final Word

Cooking from scratch is a beautiful way to care for your family, stretch your grocery budget, and make the most of your food storage. With these kitchen items every cook-from-scratch parent needs, you’ll be ready to bake bread, simmer soups, roast dinners, and prep meals in advance with confidence.

Remember, you don’t need everything today. Build your kitchen slowly, take care of your tools, and enjoy the time you spend cooking for the people you love. Some of my sweetest memories have happened right there in the kitchen, with flour on the counter and family gathered around the table.

What kitchen tools do you use most when cooking from scratch? I would love to hear about your favorites in the comments below. May God bless this world, Linda

The post Kitchen Items Every Cook From Scratch Parent Needs appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

Shackleton: Six Hundred Days And Not One Man Lost

There are leadership books that spend three hundred pages getting people through a difficult quarter at work, and then there is Ernest Shackleton. His ship was beset by Antarctic ice in January 1915 and slowly crushed. Endurance was abandoned on October 27 and sank on November 21, leaving twenty-eight men on a moving sheet of […]

from Survivopedia

What Traditional Healers Actually Carried in Their Kits Before Modern Medicine

Every November, when the first hard frost settles in and the forecasts begin to mention ice storms, I find myself thinking about how people coped before electricity and pharmacies were a phone call away. For centuries, traditional healers walked from village to village with satchels, baskets, and cloth bundles that held everything they needed to ... Read more...

from Prepper's Will