Look at the Three day supply!

We all know that water is important. Our Doctors tell us to make sure we are hydrated. Health experts tell us that water isn’t just good for our bodily functions but we think better when we are well hydrated. With that in mind, what happens when the water spigot is turned off for whatever reason? Maybe the power has turned off, and the wells don’t pump. Eventually the water in the system will slow down to a trickle.

How much water do we have stored? How large is our family? Can we comfortably last a day? What about another day, and possibly another? It is important to have bottled water stored. This would handle cooking and drinking. Here are some ideas from the government on how to prepare:

STEP 1: DECIDE HOW MUCH WATER YOUR FAMILY WILL NEED

Store enough bottled water for everyone in your household.

  • You need at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. A normally active person needs to drink at least one half gallon of water each day. You will also need water to clean yourself and to cook. (This means a family of four needs 12 gallons of water in their emergency supply.)
  • Keep in mind that the following groups may require more water:
    – Children
    – Pregnant women
    – People who are sick
    – People living in hot climates
  •  Don’t forget about pets!
    – Cats and dogs typically need 1 gallon for 3 days.

STEP 2: GATHER AND STORE YOUR EMERGENCY WATER SUPPLY

Pre-packaged bottled water is the safest option for your emergency water supply.
There are two ways to get your emergency water supply:

  • Buy pre-packaged bottled water (the safest, most reliable option).
    – Do not open the containers until you’re ready to use them.
    – Check expiration dates on store-bought bottled water throughout the year. Replace as needed.
  • Fill your own containers of water.
    – Use food-grade water storage containers, like those found at surplus or camping supply stores. If you cannot buy this type of container, you can use 2-liter plastic soda bottles.
    – Always completely clean your containers before storing the water.
    – Do not use the following for water storage:
    – Containers that have ever held anything poisonous
    – Containers that can break easily, like those made of glass
    – Containers without a tight seal
    – Containers, like milk jugs, that can be hard to clean
    – Containers made of plastics that break down over time, like milk jugs
    – Store all water in a cool, dark place in your home, office, and car.
    – Replace water every 6 months.

How to clean containers for water storage

  1. Wash containers with dishwashing soap.
  2. Rinse with water.
  3. Mix 1 teaspoon of household bleach with 1 quart (1/4 gallon) of water.
  4. Swish the solution around in the container. Make sure it touches all inside surfaces.
  5. Rinse again with clean water.

STEP 3: STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE

Stay Hydrated. In an emergency, drink at least 2 quarts (half of a gallon) of water each day. Children, pregnant women, people who are sick and people living in hot climates should drink more —as much as a gallon.

Do Not Ration Water. Never risk dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious health problems. Even if water supplies are running low, drink the amount you need today and look for more tomorrow.

Only Drink Clean Water. If you run out of safe drinking water in an emergency, there are steps you can take to make contaminated water safe to use. Visit CDC’s Healthy Water website for instructions on how to make water safe for drinking or cooking. Untreated water can make you very sick, because it often contains toxic chemicals, heavy metals and germs. Never drink flood water.

How to clean containers for water storage:

  1. Wash containers with dishwashing soap.
  2. Rinse with water.
  3. Mix 1 teaspoon of household bleach with 1 quart (1/4 gallon) of water.
  4. Swish the solution around in the container. Make sure it touches all inside surfaces.
  5. Rinse again with clean water.

Protect Your Home. Learn where the water shut-off valve to your home is. If you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines, shut off the water to your house in order to avoid letting unsafe water enter your home.

Now, let’s do it!

The above is excellent advice. Now it is up to us to do it. For myself, I just decided that one day of going to the grocery store was going to be dedicated to doing the above. I got four cases of water (16 bottles each) and stacked them and felt 100% better. I then got some smaller barrels I found at Wal-Mart, filled them and put them in my garage. Felt even better! I do rotate all of this, but at least it is there.

There are many experts in the field, and there is a great deal of information on the Internet. Figure out what you need and get to it. We are often greater procrastinators than we are preparers. Each month we hope to have an article on preparedness that will help all of us prepare for that day when our emergency hits.