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Stocking water
reserves and learning how to purify contaminated water should be among
your top priorities in preparing for an emergency. You should store
at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.
Everyone's needs will differ, depending on age, physical condition,
activity, diet and climate. A normally active person needs to drink
at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double
that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
You will need additional water for food preparation and hygiene. Store
at least one gallon per person, per day. If your supplies begin to
run low, remember: Never ration water. Drink the amount you need today
and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of
water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.
Three Easy Ways to Purify Water
Purification Tablets release chlorine or iodine. They are inexpensive
and available at most sporting goods stores and some drugstores. Follow
the package directions. Usually one tablet is enough for one quart
of water. Double the dose for cloudy water.
Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water
to a rolling boil for 10 minutes, keeping in mind that some water
will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water will
taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring it back and
forth between two containers. This will improve the taste of stored
water.
Chlorination uses liquid chlorine bleach to kill microorganisms.
Add two drops of bleach per quart of water (four drops if the water
is cloudy), stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not
taste and smell of chlorine at that point, add another dose and let
stand another 15 minutes. If your water supply is limited, try to
avoid foods that are high in fat and protein and don't stock salty
foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers,
whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
How to Store Emergency Water Supplies
Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking,
two quarts for food preparation/sanitation.) You can store your water
in thoroughly washed plastic containers, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined
metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances
because tiny amounts may remain in the container's pores. Sound plastic
containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase
food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Before storing your water, treat
it with a preservative; such as chlorine bleach, to prevent the growth
of microorganisms. Use liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium
hypochlorite and no soap. 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.
Hidden Water Sources In Your Home
Water beds hold up to 400 gallons, but some water beds contain toxic
chemicals that are not fully removed by many purifiers. 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. To use water in your pipes, let air in by turning on
the highest faucet in your house and draining from the lowest one.
To use water in your hot water tank, be sure the electricity or gas
is turned off and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start
the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning
on a hot water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when
the tank is empty. Do you know the location of your incoming water
valve? Shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home
if reports of broken water or sewage lines. If you need to seek water
outside your home, you can use these sources. But purify the water
before drinking it.
Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater
only if you distill it first.
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