Two Octobers that San Diegans will never forget: 2003 and 2007, when wildfires ripped through the county and burned a combined total of over half a million acres, destroyed nearly 5,000 buildings, and killed 18 people. While we hope disasters that devastating are behind us, wildfires are unpredictable and you can never be too vigilant about preparing for the worst. If you live in a particularly vulnerable part of the county, water storage tanks can be an invaluable part of your fire protection plan. Here are some common questions we get about water storage:

Why do I need my own water storage?

As you know, firefighters need a dependable and ready supply of water when responding to emergencies, and in urban and suburban areas, fire hydrants provide all they need. But if you live in a rural or semi-rural area (which describes most of the eastern portion of San Diego County), there are no high-pressure water mains to tap into, which means firefighters must rely on local water sources that often require a great deal of time, equipment, and personnel to transport to the affected area. Storing water on your property can make all the difference. In case of a fire, a truck can hook up to your tank and douse the flames threatening your home.

Am I required to have water storage?

The San Diego County Fire Authority has minimum water storage standards where adequate public or private supply is not available, and many HOAs for neighborhoods close to known fire zones require water tanks as well. In addition to providing protection for your own home, an uninterrupted supply of resident-provided water can prevent wildfires from spreading beyond the capabilities of the emergency personnel involved.

What about my swimming pool?

Swimming pools are great resources for emergency water, but their usefulness depends on their location in relation to your house and whether you have a specialized pump for quick access. Water storage tanks kept specifically for fire protection are your best bet, as they’re installed in ideal locations and built for easy access.

What are my storage tank options?

Storage tanks that hold at least 1,000 gallons of water are recommended for adequate fire protection. At San Diego Drums & Totes, we have a variety of Bushman Rain Tanks ranging from 1,100 to 5,050 gallon capacities. Bushman tanks are durable, non-corrosive, rust proof, and FDA-rated to store potable water, which means they’re doing double-protection duty against fires and any other natural disasters that could disrupt your water supply.

Another factor to consider is storing water for horses and livestock left behind during wildfire evacuations—in this case, our line of IBC Totes are great for storing water to use when you’re permitted to return to your property.

Have more questions? We can help!

San Diego Drums & Totes offers a full line of water storage tanks and accessories to meet your fire protection requirements. If you have more questions about which tank is right for your home, check out one of our two locations, in Lemon Grove and San Marcos.