Friday, October 7, 2022

Got water?

 

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.






Contact: Amy Dennison
amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

 

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)



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