Properly Storing Water In Case Of An Emergency
If you recently took up residence in an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes, you will want to take some precautionary steps to protect your family should one hit. It is important to have an emergency supply of water on hand in case electricity goes out or if the area's water supply becomes contaminated. This will ensure you will have a supply available to consume, use for cooking, and for hygienic purposes. Here are some steps you can take in the way you treat, contain, and store an emergency water supply so it is safe enough to use should the need arise.
Store Your Water In The Right Kind Of Container
It is important to obtain food-grade containers to hold your water supply. These are usually made from glass or plastic, and will keep contamination on the exterior of the container should it become present within the area where you are storing your supply. When you go shopping, consider picking up a container that you can store. Plastic water bottles are ready to be used at a moment's notice, making them a great commodity to have on hand in case of an emergency. If you would rather bottle your own supply, you can purchase emergency water containers from a reputable survival goods store.
Treat Water If It Is Not Purchased From A Store
If you want to bottle your own water for an emergency, it will need to be treated to make sure all hazards are removed from its composition before you place it in a storage area. This will ensure it can be consumed without the risk of getting ill. Six droplets of unscented liquid bleach can be added to a gallon of tap water to help in killing off bacteria that may be present in its composition. If the water appears cloudy after the addition of this bleach, a few more drops can be added. A medicine dropper can be used to add the bleach directly to the water container after it is filled.
Keep The Water In A Safe Location For Use
Place your water containers in a spot where direct sunlight is not present and where temperatures do not get excessively high. A crawlspace, garage, or similar dark, cool spot is best. Lift your water bottles from the floor so there is no risk of changes in temperature to the containers. This will also aid in keeping pests away from your supply. A sheet or blanket can also be placed over your supply to keep it dry and away from pest invasions.
For more information, contact companies like WaterBrick International.