What you need to know in an emergency

Having enough water is very important during an emergency, according to ARC. The average active person needs to drink a minimum of two quarts of water every day. In a hot environment, people need twice that amount. Kids, pregnant women, nursing mothers and sick people will need even more.

Water is also needed to prepare food and to maintain good hygiene. People should have at least a two-week supply of water, according to ARC. People should store a minimum of one gallon of drinking water per person, per day.

Even if water supplies are low, people should never ration water, according to ARC. People should worry about finding more water when they need it. Staying cool and reducing physical activity will both help people survive on less water.