Managing Emergency Water Supplies

Having clean water is vital in a disaster. Make sure you store bottled water and keep it in a cool, dark place.

How Much You Need--Most people need one gallon of water a day. Children, nursing mothers and people who are ill require more. Half a gallon is needed for drinking and cooking. Another half gallon may be needed for washing.

Make Sure It's Safe--During a disaster, you might not be able to drink the tap water. Listen to local radio and TV stations. Public health officials will announce whether it's safe to drink the water. Health officials may tell you to boil tap water before using it. If so, bring about a gallon of water to a boil for three minutes and then let it cool. Health officials may tell you to treat the water with chlorine bleach to kill germs. They will give instructions on how to do that on the radio or TV. If you aren't sure and need instructions, you can call your local health department.

Turning Off the Water--If your home is on a public water supply, listen to officials to find out if you can use water to flush toilets. If sewer lines break, you might have to turn off your water entirely. If you water is supplied by a well and the power is out, you will not be able to flush your toilet. You will need to store large amounts of water to fill the toilet tank for flushing.

Storing Water--If you know a major storm is coming, store as much clean water as you can. Fill your tubs and sinks. Use water in tubs and sinks for washing or flushing the toilet, but not for drinking. Wash and fill containers like empty soda bottles, pitchers and plastic storage containers with water and cover them (but not for any longer than a few days). If your water supply starts to run low, do not cut back on drinking water. Always drink the amount you need. If you keep cool and still, your body will need less water. Try not to eat salty foods or foods high in fat and protein. Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine. Instead, eat canned foods that have a lot of liquid in them. If needed, you can drink water from other sources

From Home Safety Council Literacy Project www.homesafetyliteracyproject.org