Emergency Water Supply

After oxygen, water is the most essential substance for survival. Most of us take our home water supply for granted. When safe drinking water is not available, it becomes more than just a simple inconvenience, it becomes a major health emergency.

Natural disasters such as, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes, can interrupt the supply of safe, usable water. Interruptions may last for only a short period of time or for many days. An emergency water supply should be in every household to meet the needs of the whole family.

An emergency water supply is a top priority during an emergency or disaster. The water needs of your family will differ depending on age, activity level, physical condition, diet and climate. Most family members will need to drink at least two quarts (64 oz.) which is approximately eight glasses of water each day.

In areas that have hot environments, the need for water could double. The amount of water will also depend on the amount of other drinks, juices, soups and high moisture foods that are available. The water requirement for children, people that are ill and nursing women will be greater. To minimize the amount of water your body needs, reduce your activity level.

Water will also be needed for food preparation and hygiene. As a rule, try to store at least one gallon of water per person per day. If you have pets, their need will be at least one quart per day for each dog or cat.

The minimum emergency water supply should be at least a three-day supply, but it's a good idea to consider storing a fourteen-day supply if you have enough space to store it.

There is clean drinkable water between twenty to seventy-five gallons depending on the size of your water heater. The trick is to get it out of your water heater. First, switch off any electric or gas connections to the water heater. Then put a pail under the hot water heater bottom drain and then open the drain. Then open a sink faucet nearby to release the pressure and to start the water flowing.

Caution: before opening the hot water drain, it is very important to switch off any electric or gas connections to the water heater. Leaving the water heater on while emptying it could cause an explosion or burn the elements of the water heater. Also, the water heater should not be turned on until water services are restored and the water heater refilled.

The water that is in your pipes can also be used if your water service has been cut off. Open a water faucet at the highest point of your home and then drain the pipes by opening a water faucet at the lowest point of your home.

You may have to turn off your water from the outside of your home during an emergency such as an earthquake or flood to avoid contaminating the water inside your pipes and water heater.

There is approximately three to five gallons of clean water in your toilet tank (not the toilet bowl). Use a small container to get the water out of the tank.

The swimming pool and hot tub are a good source for grey water for washing, using to operate your toilets, but not a good source for drinking water due to the chemicals.