The Water of Life

posted on November 1, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

In the aftermath of Sandy, more people are realizing that there are many levels of preparedness. While many have supplies for a few days, long-term survival should also be considered.

The human body can last a long time without food, but clean water is a requirement for life. It lubricates the body and helps regulate body temperature. Dehydration can set in very quickly without adequate supplies. For that reason, you should always have a two to three day supply for every person in your household. But, what are you going to do if a disaster lasts longer than that?

There are many ways to purify water for drinking in disaster scenarios, including water purification tablets and filters. Tablets are small, easily portable and last a long time in unsealed bottles, but they absolutely ruin the taste. Boiling for at least a minute works well, but also makes the water taste funny. Filters are the fastest and easiest way to purify water, but you shouldn’t rely on filters that you use in the kitchen to reduce chlorine. Consider purchasing the outdoor filters that backpackers use in the wilds, such as the Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter, which can be obtained through online retailers like Cheaper Than Dirt. These filters eliminate bacteria, while keeping the water tasting like water.

I keep both tablets and a filter in my go bags, alongside my food, medical supplies and defensive materials. It’s great to be prepared for disasters that cause problems, but you should also be prepared in case the situation becomes an apocalypse.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.