Emergencies can strike at any moment, disrupting our daily lives and leaving us without basic necessities. In fact the way things are heating up around the globe these days should be a red flag to all of us. The time to get prepared was yesterday. But, don’t be discouraged - it’s never too late to start doing the right thing.
As always in disaster situations, access to clean and safe drinking water is the top order of business. Whether it’s a natural disaster, an infrastructure failure, or a prolonged power outage, having a reliable water supply plan can be the difference between comfort and crisis. In this blog, we'll explore how to build a comprehensive and reliable water supply plan to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for any emergency.
Understanding the Importance of Emergency Water Supply
Water is essential for survival, hygiene, and cooking. During an emergency, every day access to water supplies may become contaminated or completely unavailable. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. This amount accounts for drinking and basic hygiene needs. However, for better preparedness, it's wise to plan for a more extended period, ideally up to two weeks.
Assessing Your Water Needs
Determine Daily Consumption
Start by calculating your household's daily water needs. Consider factors such as:
- Number of people: Ensure you account for every member of your household.
- Special needs: Include extra water for infants, elderly family members, or anyone with a medical condition.
- Pets: Don’t forget to include water for your pets.
Plan for Additional Uses
Beyond drinking, water is necessary for:
- Cooking: Consider the water required to prepare meals.
- Sanitation: Handwashing, brushing teeth, and basic personal hygiene.
- Cleaning: Washing dishes and maintaining a clean environment.
- Toilet water: It’s always more pleasant if you can get your toilets to flush. This does not need to be pristine water. We save milk jugs, rinse them well, fill them, and store them in the garage.
Selecting Your Water Storage Solutions
Bottled Water
Bottled water is a convenient and readily available option for emergency storage. Ensure that you store enough to meet your household's needs. Check expiration dates regularly and rotate your stock to keep it fresh.
Water Storage Containers
For a more sustainable and long-term solution, consider investing in water storage containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers are an excellent choice due to their durability and safety. These containers come in various sizes, from small 1-gallon jugs to large 55-gallon drums.
Reusable Water Bottles
Our company offers reusable 1-liter bottles made of HDPE plastic, which are perfect for emergency water storage. These bottles are durable, easy to fill, and convenient to use. They also contribute to sustainability by reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles. The fact that you can take the cap off and replace it while you are drinking water throughout the day is key - as opposed to a can (which when opened is open) or a pouch which is probably only good for a quick drink and done.
Water Filtration and Purification Systems
In situations where you might need to source water from natural bodies, having a reliable water filtration and purification system is crucial. Portable water filters, purification tablets, and advanced filtration systems can make unsafe water potable. We recommend checking out these two effective options:
The AquaPail Water Filter 1100 Gallons and the AquaBrick® Water Purification System. Both of these products are powered by the Duraflo Filter from Sagan Life and will purify any non salt water source. Make sure you have a reliable water filter in your emergency kit and know how to use it properly.
Storing Your Water Supply
Proper storage of your emergency water supply is essential to ensure its safety and longevity.
Location
Store your water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing water containers in areas where chemicals or gasoline are kept to prevent contamination.
Container Maintenance
- Cleanliness: Make sure all containers are clean before filling them with water. Use soap and water to clean them, followed by a rinse with a very diluted bleach solution.
- Sealing: Make sure all containers are sealed tightly to prevent contamination.
- Rotation: Rotate your water supply every six months. Label containers with the date of storage to keep track.
Creating a Water Supply Plan
Inventory and Documentation
Create a detailed inventory of your stored water, including the type of container, the amount of water, and the storage date. Keep this information in a place where it’s easily accessible during an emergency.
Emergency Water Sources
Identify alternative water sources in and around your home. These can include:
- Hot Water Heater: The water heater in your home can provide a significant amount of potable water.
- Toilet Tank: (Not the bowl) If you haven’t used chemical cleaning agents, the water in the toilet tank is safe to use.
- Natural Sources: Rivers, streams, and lakes can be used if you have proper filtration and purification systems.
Treatment Methods
Be prepared to treat water from alternative sources. Boiling water is one of the most effective methods to kill pathogens. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (three minutes at higher altitudes). Use water purification tablets or household bleach (add 1/8 teaspoon of regular, unscented bleach per gallon of water and let it stand for 30 minutes) if boiling is not an option.
Educating and Involving Your Household
Create an Emergency Plan
Develop a comprehensive emergency plan which includes instructions on accessing and using your emergency water supply. Make sure everyone in your household is familiar with the plan and knows where the water is stored.
Practice Drills
Conduct regular drills so everyone knows what to do in an emergency. This practice can help identify any gaps in your plan and make necessary adjustments.
Stay Informed
Keep abreast of potential threats in your area by monitoring news and weather alerts. Having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can be invaluable for receiving updates during an emergency.
Investing in Advanced Technology
Our company is proud to offer the most advanced technology in emergency water solutions. Our proprietary water purification process ensures that our water meets the highest safety standards. By continuously testing and monitoring our water, we provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have access to safe drinking water when you need it most.
Exclusive Proprietary Process
Our exclusive process, unique to our company, guarantees the purity and safety of our emergency drinking water. This advanced technology sets us apart from competitors and ensures you receive the best possible product.
Commitment to Quality
With eight years of experience in the water industry, our team has a reputation for excellence. Our commitment to quality and innovation drives us to continuously improve our products and services, so you have access to the best emergency water solutions available.
Wrapping it up…
Building a reliable water supply plan is an essential part of emergency preparedness. By understanding your needs, selecting appropriate storage solutions, and creating a comprehensive plan, you can be sure you and your loved ones have access to safe drinking water during any crisis. Our advanced technology, exclusive proprietary process, and commitment to quality make us the ideal partner in your preparedness journey.
Investing in a reliable emergency water supply is not just about safety; it's about peace of mind. Take the steps today to prepare for tomorrow's uncertainties and secure your family's well-being in any emergency.