Prepare for a Pandemic…we’re on Webby

It seems many others are now thinking the way we do. Last night we got a mention on Webby! Please go check it out and add a comment! We want the world to know that there is simple, easy to follow, yet accurate information that will help anyone and everyone prepare not just for the second wave of the H1N1 flu but for any disaster that may come our way.

http://www.webbyawards.com/webbyconnect/blog/?paged=7

I will continue to post  answers to  questions as long as you have them. I had been posting suggestions for saving money each Wednesday but right now I feel it is more important to get you real emergency prep information. We have talked about the collapse of infrastructure during a pandemic if there is noone to repair a problem. The infrastructure can fail during any crisis so today we take a look at water…

Part 1…Part 2 tomorrow

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I recently watched a national morning television show where the topic was emergency preparations. The “expert” gave some really awful advice about water storage. Some straight talk is in order.

Water storage is absolutely essential to a good preparedness plan. In an emergency, it may be too late to go to the tap and expect clean water to flow. One gallon per person per day is the minimum you will need to continue living the way in which you are accustomed.  You will need at least two quarts for drinking and the rest for cooking, cleaning, flushing toilets, and personal hygiene.

When planning your water storage, don’t forget your pets.

Water may be stored in a variety of containers:

1. Heavy duty plastic containers with a spout or a pump for dispensing water. Water is heavy, and you need to consider this when choosing containers. Five gallons of water weighs 42 pounds. Containers should be manageable for one adult to lift, or they should be equipped with a pump. Make sure when using plastic containers that they are approved for food use. Chemicals are available to add to storage containers, preserving the water for five years.

2. Plastic bottles. Water may be stored in well-rinsed bleach (hypochlorite) bottles. Begin by cleaning bottles with hot, soapy water. Completely clean the inside and the outside of the container, including the handle, the lid. Rinse well with plain water. Finally, rinse with clean water. Once you clean and sanitize the container, fill it with water you know is safe and screw the cap on tightly. You may want to fill containers with your own tap water. Water in different areas tastes different, and your family will be accustomed to the taste of your own tap. Before using, open the container for several hours. Pour water back and forth between two pitchers to add air back in and improve the taste. If the water appears cloudy, treat or use it for cleaning and bathing but not for drinking.

3. Soda Bottles. Liter soda bottles with screw-on lids work well for storing drinking water. Colored bottles are the best because they filter the light. Sanitize by rinsing inside and out with a solution of one-half teaspoon of household bleach per pint of water. Rinse well with plain water. Finally, rinse with clean water. Once you clean and sanitize the container, fill it with water you know is safe and screw the cap on tightly. Again you may want to fill containers with your own tap water. When using your own tap water, you do not need to treat your water, simply fill and cap your bottles and you are good to go. Liter bottles are also great to have on hand to grab quickly if you need to evacuate. They can be carried easily by an adult with the use of a lanyard type bottle carrier.

4. Mylar water storage bags . These are impermeable to gases and are usually sold in bulk cases for easy stacking. Individual pouches can be purchased for storing in 72-hour kits and in your car. These pouches are not rodent-proof, so check them often and place small pouches in a rodent-proof container.

5. Glass jars . As you empty your canning jars, sterilize them and the screw on lids, and fill with water until you are ready to refill them with the “fruits” of your gardening efforts. They are already taking up space, so put them to work! Glass jars should be stored in a dark place and preferably in a cardboard box. Water can also be canned by processing for 20 minutes in a water bath or steam canner. This is not necessary if water is rotated on a regular basis.

6. Picnic coolers . Fill with water between uses.

7. The bathtub . If you know a storm is approaching and there is even a remote chance you may be without water, fill your bathtubs and sinks.

8. Pitchers and pots. Drag out grandma’s silver pitcher, pot, canners and anything else that can hold water. All of these items will hold water that you can safely drink. That is huge!

9. Swimming pools . Use for cleaning and bathing only.

10. Water heaters. Make sure you turn off the power (or gas) before you attempt to drain. To get a free flow of water from the hot water tank, open the valve at the top of the tank as well as the faucet at the bottom of the tank. Increase the water flow by turning on any hot water faucet in the house before draining water from the hot water tank.

11. Waterbeds . Use water from these for cleaning and bathing only.

12. Liquids in canned fruits and vegetables are good for cooking. This is one reason we recommend you have canned foods as well as dried foods in your emergency food supply. Peach juice is great for cooking oatmeal. Rice and pasta cook well in the water from canned vegetables.

13. Melted snow. Be sure the snow is freshly fallen and clean.

14. Rain water should be collected away from trees or structures, which could contaminate the water. Mylar blankets; new, unused 5 gallon buckets; new unused garbage cans — all work well to collect water.

15. Fruit juices should be included in every emergency storage plan. They are not only useful for drinking but also adding flavor foods such as oatmeal and disguising the taste of medications.

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