Oct 2022 – Water
Week #1—Got
Water?
Because
water is so inexpensive, we tend to take it for granted. But, the water supply
is often interrupted during emergencies.
Water
is necessary for digestion, circulation, muscle performance, and body
temperature. Symptoms of dehydration are headache, fatigue, constipation, and rapid
pulse. You can only survive a few days without water. Assess your water needs. Where
can you store it? What do you need to do to improve your water storage?
Bonus:
Try using only your stored water for 2-3 days. See if you can live on one gallon
of water per person per day.
Week #2—Gallon
Per Person Per Day
Each
person should have 3 gallons of water in their 72-hour kit. This sounds like a
lot, but a large case of water (40 half liter bottles; $4 - $6) is enough for
two people. Store the water in a cool, dark place and rotate it by the
expiration date.
If
the emergency lasts more than 3 days, water distribution points will be set up.
However, you need your own container to carry water home. Buy a 5-gallon water
jug (with spout; $9 - $13).
Week #3—Buy
Water Heater Strap Kit
If
city water becomes contaminated, try to turn off your main water valve before
it enters your home. You can then drain clean water out of your water heater
and the pipes in your home.
However,
if your water heater tips over in an earthquake, a broken water line will flood
your basement and a broken gas line can cause an explosion. Buy a water heater strap
kit ($17 - $20).
Week #4—Brace
Your Water Heater
Follow
the instructions in your water heater strap kit to tie your water heater to the
wall so it will not tip over in an earthquake. This allows you to rely on your
water heater, instead of worrying about it during an emergency. For a 4 minute
video, click here.
Extra Credit—Store
More Water
If
you would like to prepare for longer emergencies, you can store your own water.
However, make sure you do it right.
Do
not use plastic milk jugs—they will break. Do not use juice bottles—sugar in
the plastic causes bacteria growth. You can use 2-liter soda pop bottles or a
55-gallon water drum (with pump).
Thoroughly clean the container with dishwashing soap, rinse with hot water, and refill with tap water. Store the water in a cool, dark place and rotate it every 6 months. For instructional videos, click here and here.
Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, Oct 9, 4 pm: Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2nd Sunday at 4 pm. Eric
& Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios.
If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.
This month we’ll be talking about the protocol for radio check-ins during an
emergency.
Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)
