Water: CDC advises storing 14 days' worth

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ATLANTA, June 25 (UPI) -- U.S. health officials say a water crisis can happen at any time -- floods, hurricanes, droughts and water main breaks -- so families should keep water on hand.

Dr. Julia Gargano, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, said: "Think about how much water you use every day. Now imagine if a water crisis were to happen and you didn't have safe water coming from your pipes."

All households should prepare for water emergencies by storing at least 1 gallon of water per day, for each person, Gargano advised.

"A two-week supply is ideal, but if that's not possible, we recommend that people store at least a three-day supply."

A proper disaster supply kit should include water, food and things like a first-aid kit, whistle to signal for help, and local maps.