Stock Up Now and Stay Safe for Hurricane Season: Tips for Building Your Emergency Kit

Stock Up Now and Stay Safe for Hurricane Season: Tips for Building Your Emergency Kit

International Bottled Water Association | News Release | May 26, 2026

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, making right now the best time to prepare your family's emergency kit.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is encouraging families, especially those in coastal and hurricane-prone communities, to check their emergency kits now and make sure they have an adequate supply of safe drinking water on hand.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a range of between 8 - 14 named storms, and only 3-6 of them expected to become hurricanes, which is lower than historical averages. While this is encouraging news, NOAA and emergency management experts consistently remind the public that it only takes one storm to upend a community - and preparation saves lives.

"Choosing water first to meet your daily hydration needs is always a smart decision, and during hurricane season, it's an essential one," says Matt Herrick, IBWA president and CEO. "Don't wait until a storm is on the way to check your supplies. Stock your emergency kit with bottled water now, while skies are clear, so you're already prepared when it matters most."

Why Bottled Water Belongs in Every Emergency Kit

When hurricanes and major storms hit, tap water systems are often among the first things to fail. Power outages, pipe damage, and flooding can quickly make tap water unsafe to drink. Bottled water - sealed, tested, and ready to go - is the safest and most reliable drinking water option when the unexpected happens.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends commercially produced bottled water as a cornerstone of any emergency kit and advises storing it in its original sealed container in a cool, dark place.

How Much Water Do You Need?

FEMA recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for a minimum of several days, for drinking and sanitation. Keep these factors in mind when calculating your family's needs:

• Children, nursing mothers, and anyone who is ill may need more than the minimum amount.
• Medical needs can require extra water for medications, wound care, and hygiene.
• Hot climates and summer heat can double a person's daily water requirement.

Take 10 Minutes Today

"There's no better time to check your emergency supplies than right now, when there's no storm bearing down," says Herrick. "Make sure you have enough bottled water, food, and other essentials to keep your family safe and comfortable for several days."

The bottled water industry has a long track record of stepping up during disasters, working closely with the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) to donate millions of gallons of safe drinking water each year to communities in need. "When emergencies happen, the bottled water industry is always there," Herrick adds.

To learn more about the role of bottled water during emergencies, watch: "Bottled Water: Always There When You Need It."

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Media Contact:
Jill Culora
[email protected]
703.647.4609

About the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)

Founded in 1958, IBWA is the leading voice for the bottled water industry, which supports more than 617,000 jobs that generate $42.5 billion in wages and $163 billion in overall U.S. economic impact. IBWA provides members with professional services focused on advocacy, communications, technical services, and education to advance safe, healthy hydration and sustainable business practices. IBWA's membership consists of bottlers, distributors, and suppliers across the U.S. and around the world working to deliver the #1 packaged beverage to consumers everywhere.

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