In water-related emergencies, such as damage to a treatment plant or contamination of the local water supply system, you may suddenly find that you do not have clean drinking water. One way to prepare is to store water that can be used by your family for a few days or more.

In water emergencies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that each person store at least one gallon of water per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation. However, they strongly recommend hiding the two-week supply if possible. Also, if you live in a hot climate, or have a family member who is pregnant or sick, consider storing more.

There is nothing wrong with buying bottled water or bottled water, especially if you use your supply and replenish it regularly. Most bottled water produced in the United States will have an expiration date. But, of course, the water itself does not "expire". On the contrary, when water is stored in a plastic bottle for a long time, the plastic will seep into the water and be contaminated with chemicals. Over time, these compounds can impair gut health, immunity and respiratory function.

An easy and affordable way to create water storage at home is to can it yourself. During the processing, you need to use a metal spiral belt to fix a standard can with a flat lid. Of course, you also need water. When it comes to canned water, you have several options.

One method of canning is to use a water bath tank, which is basically a large tank with a movable shelf inside which can be hung on the bottom of the tank. Using this method, you must thoroughly clean the container and lid with hot water before processing, fill the can with water and heat it to 140F. Fill the jar with water to within an inch of the top, wipe each edge with a clean cloth and tighten the two parts of the lid. Place the cans on the canning rack and boil the water in the cans. Cover the can and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, adding more boiling water if necessary.

Keep away from the heat source, remove the lid of the can, and carefully take out the can with a can lifter. Put them on a clean towel, leaving at least one inch of space between each jar, and let them cool for 12 to 24 hours.

Another way to fill water at home is to boil tap water in a stainless steel pot for at least five minutes, and then heat the pot in an oven at 175F, or heat it in the dishwasher before filling it. Use a glass measuring cup or ladle to immerse the boiling water in the pot into the warm pot. Fill the jar with water within an inch of the top, then tighten the two parts of the lid. Immediately turn the jars upside down and place them on a clean towel, leaving at least one inch of space between each jar. Let them cool for 12 to 24 hours.

No matter which method you use, test the tightness by pressing the center of the lid. If it moves down, the jar cannot be sealed and needs to be reprocessed. Since these processes can disinfect the water and kill all living things, you can store the jar indefinitely.

This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for more stories.