![]() You should therefore purify all water of uncertain purity before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene. In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Use saltwater only if you distill it first (described later). Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color.Streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water.If you need to seek water outside your home, you can use these sources.Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut if off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. ![]() To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the highest faucet in your house and draining the water from the lowest one.If you designate a water bed in your home as an emergency resource, drain it yearly and refill it with fresh water containing two ounces of bleach per 120 gallons. Water beds hold up to 400 gallons, but some water beds contain toxic chemicals that are not fully removed by many purifiers.As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl), but purify it first (described later). If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use water in your hot-water tank, in your plumbing and in ice cubes. Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place. Some containers warn, "Not For Personal Use." You can disregard these warnings if the label states sodium hypochlorite is the only active ingredient and if you use only the small quantities in these instructions.Īdd four drops of bleach per quart of water (or two scant teaspoons per 10 gallons), and stir. Use liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite and no soap. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.īefore storing your water, treat it with a preservative, such as chlorine bleach, to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because tiny amounts may remain in the container's pores. You can store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool. ![]() Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. If your supplies begin to run low, remember: Never ration water. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. ![]() You will need additional water for food preparation and hygiene. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Everyone's needs will differ, depending upon age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. Stocking water reserves and learning how to purify contaminated water should be among your top priorities in preparing for an emergency. This information was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community and Family Preparedness Programs which provides information to help families prepare for all types of disasters. By taking a little time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for your entire family. If an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm or other disaster ever strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |