There may be significant damage to regional and local water supply and storage
systems after an earthquake. Access to normal water supplies may be limited
or not available at all. Water is essential. You and your family can survive
many days without food but for only a short time without water. The female
body is 54% water; the male body is 60% water. We lose water daily through
normal processes. The stress associated with catastrophic events such as
earthquakes can affect the body in ways that can lead to significantly
higher levels of fluid loss. Increased perspiration is a good example of
this. The lack of water can affect the body's senses, thinking, reaction
time and energy in a matter of hours. A 10% loss of body water is serious;
a 20-22% loss is fatal. You don't want to be physically hampered when the
ability to think and act quickly is crucial simply because you did not take
the time to store a few extra gallons of water.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED
A normally active person requires at least 1/2 gallon of water per day for
drinking and additional water for brushing teeth, bathing and washing dishes.
Store at least a three-day supply.
HOW DO I STORE IT
Buy one-gallon jugs at your market, or store tap water in well-washed softdrink
bottles. Clearly mark the bottles with the current date. Use the water and
discard the bottles within one year. Do not use empty bleach bottles; they are
not "food grade" bottles, and the plastic may leach into the water. Another
option is to buy five-gallon bottles from water distributors. As long as the
seals are not broken, they can be kept in a cool, dark place for many years.
Do not store water with your other supplies. Water leaks could damage them.
OTHER EMERGENCY WATER SOURCES
Ice Cubes: Melt and use.
Toilet Tank (not the bowl!): Contains clean water which can be used directly
from the tank. Do not use this water if you have added any chemical treatments
(cleaners) to the tank.
Hot water heater: Be sure your hot water heater is secured with metal strapping
(plumber's tape) and bolts. To drain water from the tank, open the valve at
the top of the tank or turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. Put
a clean container at the bottom of the hot water heater. Use this tap to fill
the container when you need water.
HOW TO PURIFY WATER
Boiling: Boil vigorously for 10 minutes.*
Purification tablets: Follow the directions on the container. These
tablets are available at drug stores and camping supply stores.
Bleach purification: Use unscented household liquid chlorine bleach.
Check the label, it should contain 5.25% hypochlorite to be effective and safe.
Use an eye dropper to add liquid chlorine bleach in the amount indicated below.
Stir and wait 30 minutes for the water to purfify before you begin using it.
Amount of Water
Amount of Bleach if Water is Clear
Amount of Bleach if Water is Cloudy
1 quart
2 drops
4 drops
1 gallon
8 drops
16 drops
5 gallons
1/2 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
EXPERIENCE SAYS...
Store water on the floor, rather than on shelves from which
the containers could fall and burst.
Store handkerchiefs, coffee filters or filtering cloths along
with your water supply.
Check the water you stored last year. Date, rotate and check
for any leakage.
Consider purchasing water purification tablets or filtering
devices.
