Why You Should Keep Water Bottles in the Freezer Before a Storm

Meteorologists have forecast a major storm, and you need to start preparing. One of the first steps you might want to consider is freezing water bottles. Often recommended by emergency preparedness experts, this simple trick can go a long way if the power goes out.

Below, read about the numerous benefits of prepping your freezer with water bottles before a storm.

It Buys You Time and May Save You Money

Most people don't realize that a full freezer is one of the most passive and powerful tools in your emergency kit. “When the power goes out after a storm, frozen water bottles act as thermal mass, keeping your freezer colder longer and protecting your food supply,” says disaster response expert Brandi Richard. “I've worked disaster responses where families lost hundreds of dollars in food within the first 24 hours simply because their freezer was half-empty going in.”

It Becomes Drinking Water

After coordinating responses across multiple states, Thompson knows that drinkable water disappears fast after a storm hits. "Pipes burst, municipalities issue boil-water notices, and store shelves clear out before the storm even makes landfall," she explains.

Those frozen water bottles can become thawed drinking water if needed, "drinking water you don't have to scramble for," says Thompson. “And, unlike sealed jugs sitting at room temperature, they've been protected from contamination," she adds.

It Can Help Cool You Down

Sean Gold, creator of the prepping website TruePrepper.com, has ridden a couple of hurricanes out himself. “Having frozen water bottles can also be a good way to cool down when the air conditioner isn’t running,” he says. “Cutting trees off houses and out of roadways is hard work, and cooling off and having clean water ready to go will help you get through it.”

Fresh Water Can Treat Injuries

Last but not least, having a supply of frozen water bottles in the freezer can be used for injuries in an emergency, says Matthew Burns with American Hurricane Shutters. “They can serve as an ice pack or treat dehydration, among other things,” he says.

Additional Storm Prep to Consider

In addition to filling your freezer with water bottles, our experts recommend the following preparations before a storm hits. 

Pack an Emergency Bag

Burns suggests assembling a "bug-out bag" containing important documents, medical supplies, food, blankets, and spare clothes. “The specifics of what that bag contains may vary between earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or just a general-purpose one,” he says. “You just need something you can grab quickly in case the storm strengthens or damage occurs to the home.”

Save Important Documents Digitally

Know where your documents are before you need them. “I cannot count the number of families I saw in the aftermath of a disaster who couldn't file an insurance claim because they didn't know their policy number, couldn't prove property ownership, or had no copies of medical records for a family member with chronic conditions,” Thompson warns. 

Take 30 minutes before storm season to photograph your critical documents. “Take photos of things like insurance policies, identification cards, and prescriptions,” Thompson says, “and store them somewhere Cloud-accessible. That one step has more impact on recovery than almost any supply you could stockpile.”

Ensure You Have Enough Drinking Water

How much does a person need a day in an emergency? The rule of thumb is a minimum of one gallon of water per family member, per day. “But don't forget your pets,” says security and safety advisor Philip Farina.

Everyone should store at least three days' worth of water at all times. “Some people with medical conditions may actually need more, and in some cases, only ice will suffice," Farina adds. "For a two-person household, I recommend four to six 1-liter bottles of water to be placed in the freezer."

Fill a Bathtub with Water

Fill the bathtub with water before the storm hits. “Then you can use this water to flush toilets and for cleaning and hygiene,” Farina says. “Worst case, you can use it to cook with, as well.”

Acquire an Emergency Weather Radio

An emergency weather radio isn’t very expensive and is massively useful during emergencies. “You can have a light, charge your phone, and monitor NOAA weather stations to see the progress of a storm,” Gold says.

Fill Your Tank

Fill up your vehicle with gas and consider getting an extra five-gallon gas can. “In the event that you have to evacuate,” Farina explains, “you will have the fuel needed to do so since the gas stations may be shut down.”

Make a Video

Document your home and most of your belongings before severe weather arrives. “A simple walk-through video using your mobile phone documenting your furniture, electronic gadgets, and other home appliances is very important,” says James Roswold, owner at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys. “This can help save a lot of hassle should there be storm damage to your property and you are forced to file insurance claims.”

Order Some Pizza

Before the storm hits, Farina recommends ordering three to six large pizzas from your local pizzeria and placing them in the freezer. “Once the storm hits and if you have lost power, you can thaw out pizzas one at a time,” he says. “Who doesn't like cold or next-day pizzas? It's a comfort food that can make everyone happy.”