"Prepare Tribe: Prepare, Protect, Provide" on BrightU: Americans are dangerously unprepared for water emergencies
By jacobthomas // 2025-04-11
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  • In Episode 3 of  "Prepare Tribe: Prepare, Protect, Provide," Morgan Mitchell revealed that most Americans are critically unprepared for emergencies, with only about 12 hours of water stored (often from unreliable sources like hot water or toilet tanks).
  • This episode went over the FEMA and the Red Cross recommendation of storing at least 15 gallons per person (two weeks' worth) for drinking, sanitation and hygiene.
  • Mitchell urged preppers to avoid disposable plastic bottles as they degrade, leak and leach chemicals. Instead, he recommended using FDA-approved, military-grade containers like the Reliance Rhino (5 gallons) or Aqua-Tainer (7 gallons), made from durable high-density polyethylene plastic.
  • Mitchell also explained why proper storage is key. The best practice is to rotate water every three years, avoid concrete floors, never use milk jugs and keep containers in a cool, dark place to prevent contamination.
In Episode 3 of  "Prepare Tribe: Prepare, Protect, Provide," aired on April 7, Morgan Mitchell, one of the founders of Ark Seed Kits & Prepare Tribe, revealed that most Americans are dangerously unprepared for water emergencies. "The majority of Americans have about 12 hours worth of water in their home," Mitchell said. "That water typically comes from the hot water tank or the toilet tank — hardly a reliable long-term solution." Federal agencies like FEMA and the Red Cross recommend storing at least two weeks' worth of water — roughly 15 gallons per person — for drinking, sanitation and basic hygiene. But storing water isn't as simple as hoarding plastic bottles. Disposable water bottles are flimsy, prone to leaks and degrade over time. Worse, they can leach chemicals into your water if stored improperly. "Water storage containers in bulk — like 24-packs of bottled water — are cheap plastic. They can easily break and crack," Mitchell explained. "You need containers with thick, FDA-approved plastic that won't contaminate your supply."

Without clean water, nothing else matters

Not all containers are created equal. Mitchell recommended military-grade water cans designed for durability and safety, such as the Reliance Rhino (a 5-gallon rectangular container made from high-density polyethylene) and the Reliance Aqua-Tainer (a 7-gallon option with a compact, stackable design). "These containers are made from the highest quality plastic for the price," Mitchell said. "They're easy to store, carry and most importantly — they keep water safe for years." However, even with the right container, improper storage can ruin your supply. "Dump, rinse and refill every three years," advised Mitchell. He also highlighted key pitfalls to look out for:
  • Storing water on concrete – Chemicals from spills (like gasoline) can seep into plastic. Always elevate containers.
  • Using milk jugs or soda bottles – These degrade quickly and harbor bacteria. "Milk jugs have fatty acids that will destroy your water," Mitchell warned.
  • Exposure to light and heat – UV rays and warmth breed algae and bacteria. Store water in a cool, dark place.
  • Ignoring rotation – Even the best containers need maintenance.
For a family of four, Mitchell's ideal setup for water storage includes, two military-grade water cans (10 gallons total), two Reliance Rhinos (10 gallons) and one Reliance Aqua-Tainer (7 gallons). "That's nearly 30 gallons — enough for two people to survive two weeks," he said. "Before you buy another gadget or stockpile food, invest in proper water storage," Mitchell urged. "Without clean water, nothing else matters." When disaster strikes, clean water becomes more valuable than gold. For those serious about preparedness, the right containers — like the Reliance Rhino and Aqua-Tainer — are the foundation of any emergency plan. Because when the taps run dry, your survival may depend on what's already in your home. Mitchell also urged viewers to use a simple water test kit to check for contaminants before disaster strikes. "You need to know what's in your water now," he said. "Not when it’s too late."

Want to learn more?

Disruptions can happen at any time, be it natural disasters, economic downturns or unexpected emergencies. But with the right preparation, you won't just survive, you will thrive. If you want to learn more about how you can be more resilient, want to view the presentations at your convenience or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "Prepare Tribe: Prepare, Protect, Provide" package here. Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to all "Prepare Tribe" episodes and bonus items, including Advanced Food Preservation Technique video, Food Self-Reliance e-Book, free access to Morgan and Alex Mitchell's 5-Day Challenge and 50 percent discount on the Backyard Seed Kit only on Health Ranger Store. Sources include: BrightU.com BrighteonUniversity.com HealthRangerStore.com
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