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EMERGENCY WATER
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What sources in your home: If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of
clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes, and
ice cubes. As a last
resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the
bowl). To use the water in your pipes, let air into the
plumbing by turning off the faucet in your house at the highest level.
A small amount of water will trickle out.
Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house. To use water in your hot-water tank, be sure the
electricity or gas is off and open the drain and the bottom of the tank.
Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and
turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty. How to store water: Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass,
fiberglass, or enamel-lined metal containers.
Never use a container that has held toxic substances or milk (it’s
virtually impossible to get a milk container clean enough to store
drinking water). Plastic
containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best.
You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Seal water containers tightly, label them, and store in a
cool, dark place. Rotate
water every six months. Emergency outdoor water sources: If you need to find water outside your home, you can
use these sources (be sure to purify the water before drinking it):
rainwater, streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water; ponds;
lakes; and natural springs. Avoid water with floating material, an odor, or dark color.
Use saltwater only if you distill it first.
You should not drink flood water. Having an ample supply of clean water is a top
priority in an emergency. A
normally active person needs to drink two quarts of water each day.
Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need even
more. You will also need
water for food preparation and hygiene.
Store a total of at least one gallon per person per day.
You should store at least a three-day supply of water for each
member of the family. A
two-week supply for each family member would be even better! If supplies run low, never ration water.
Drink the amount you need today and try to find more for tomorrow.
You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing
activity and staying cool.
Avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don’t eat salty foods
since they will make you thirsty.
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