Whether we're getting ready to survive a natural disaster or a worldwide computer glitch, there are things that we need to have on hand. Water is one of them.

Consider the following:

1) On a typical day, one person uses 54 gallons of water for showers, toilet flushing, washing, brushing, cooking and drinking. However, in an emergency, water usage can be reduced to about 1 gallon per person per day.

2) Select storage containers that are not too large. Water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon.

Storing water in extremely large containers is impractical if you need your water supply to be mobile.

3) Two-liter plastic bottles work best for storing water. Clean them thoroughly before adding water.

4) Fill each container with tap water, and add a few drops of liquid unscented chlorine bleach.

Cover it tightly, and store it in a dark place.

5) Do not use plastic milk jugs for emergency water storage. They often are made of biodegradable material and will split or deteriorate in a short time.

6) If you run out of your water supply, make sure you purify whatever water you can find. Boil water at a full boil for at least 15 minutes, plus an additional five minutes for every thousand feet you are above sea level. As an additional precaution, add iodine compounds for water purification, available at camping and sporting goods stores.

7) If the need arises, remember you have additional sources of water in your home. Your water heater contains anywhere from 25 to 75 gallons of good, clean water, and each toilet tank (not bowl) contains several gallons. You can fill your bathtubs up and can count on another 15-20 gallons per tub.