Do 1 Thing…Water
The mission of www.do1thing.us is to move individuals, families, businesses and communities to prepare for all hazards and become disaster resilient.
THE GOAL: Have enough water stored for your family to last 3 days (72 hours). This should be about 3 gallons per person.
Do One Thing (choose one thing to do this month):
*Purchase and store a 72 hour supply of commercially bottled water (or more - up to two weeks)
*Purchase a generator if your water comes from a private well (or make sure that your current generator is set up to power the well)
*Bottle a 72 hour supply of water at home (as described below)
Whether you get water from a municipal water system or your home has a private well, your water supply depends on having power to operate the system. During a power outage you may find yourself without drinkable water.
You may also need emergency drinking water if your water supply becomes contaminated. Both private wells and municipal water systems can be vulnerable to contamination in a disaster.
Water Needs
Pets & Water
Type Pet’s Weight Water per day
Dog 10 lbs 14 oz
60 lbs 50 oz
100 lbs 75 oz
Cat 5.5 lbs 6 oz
10 lbs 9 oz
• Pets on certain medication may need more water
• Pets eating canned/wet food may need less water
• Pets may need 2-3 x more water during hot weather
During an emergency, drink at least two quarts
of water a day, 3-4 quarts a day if you are in a hot climate, pregnant, sick, or a child.
If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today and look for more tomorrow.
Bottling Water at Home
If you get your water from a private well, disinfect your tap water as described on page two before bottling. If you get your water from a municipal water system, there is no need to disinfect tap water before bottling.
Sanitize bottles before filling:
1) Wash containers with dishwashing soap and rinse with water
(2) Sanitize by swishing a solution of 1 teaspoon of liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water on all interior surfaces of the container.
(3) Let air dry for at least one minute.
Use clear plastic bottles with tight sealing caps. Milk jugs don’t make good water storage containers, they don’t seal well, and water stored in them can sometimes develop a plastic taste. Only use bottles that originally had beverages in them (large plastic soft drink bottles work well).
Replace your water supply every six months if you bottle your own water. Always sanitize bottles before refilling them. If you purchase commercially bottled water, it should be replaced once a year. Store your water in a cool, dark place.
Emergency Sources of Drinking Water During Water System Failure
Water Heater
Do not use if the tank or fixtures have been submerged in flood water!
1.Turn off the gas or electricity to water heater (turn off electricity at the fuse or breaker box, turn off gas by locating the valve supplying the hot water heater and turning the valve handle so that it crosses - is not lined up with - the gas line)
2.Turn off the water intake valve (should be located near the water heater)
3.Open the drain at the bottom of the tank
4.Turn on a hot water faucet (water will drain from the tank, not the faucet)
Discard the first few gallons if they contain rust or sediment. Do not turn the gas or electricity back on until the tank is refilled.
Pipes
1.Turn off main water valve where the water comes into the house (usually near the water meter if you have city water).
2.Let air into the pipes by turning on the highest faucet in your house.
3.Get water from the lowest faucet in your house (never get water from faucets that have been submerged in flood water)
This is also the way to drain pipes if you are advised to do so (usually to avoid pipes breaking in freezing temperatures). Locate utility shutoffs before a disaster occurs. Teach other family members where they are and how (and when) to shut off utilities. Mark shutoffs with brightly colored tape.
Ice
If you have freezer space, consider freezing part of your water supply. This has the added advantage of keeping food in the freezer cold longer during a power outage.
Water Contamination
In some cases, the water distribution system may be functioning, but the water itself may be not be safe to drink.
Using bottled water is preferable, but if it is not available tap water can be disinfected by boiling vigorously for one minute. If you cannot boil water:
1. Add six drops of bleach per gallon of water
2. Stir well
3. Let stand for 30 minutes before use
Water filters may not remove all contaminants. Take additional steps to disinfect filtered water. You can also use water purification tablets, available at most pharmacies. Always follow emergency instructions from health officials.
Being prepared doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. By doing one thing a month, you can make sure that you and the people who depend on you will be better prepared for whatever happens.
For more information:
http://www.do1thing.us
