How to Manage Food and Water While Taking Shelter in Emergencies
Allow people to drink according to their needs., Turn off the main water valves., Know which water sources are safe and which are not., Drink water that you know is not contaminated first. , Treat all water of uncertain quality before using it for...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Allow people to drink according to their needs.
Many people need even more than the average of one-half gallon, per day.
The individual amount needed depends on age, physical activity, physical condition, and time of year.
Never ration water unless ordered to do so by authorities.
Drink the amount you need today and try to find more for tomorrow.
Under no circumstances should a person drink less than one quart (four cups) of water each day.
You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool. -
Step 2: Turn off the main water valves.
You will need to protect the water sources already in your home from contamination if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines, or if local officials advise you of a problem.
To close the incoming water source, locate the incoming valve and turn it to the closed position.
Be sure you and other family members know how to perform this important procedure.
To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your home at the highest level.
A small amount of water will trickle out.
Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the home.
To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank.
Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve at the tank and turning on the hot-water faucet.
Refill the tank before turning the gas or electricity back on.
If the gas is turned off, a professional will be needed to turn it back on. , Safe: melted ice cubes; water drained from the water heater (if the water heater has not been damaged); liquids from canned goods such as fruit or vegetable juices; water drained from pipes.
Unsafe: radiators; hot water boilers (home heating system); water beds (fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water unsafe to use); water from the toilet bowl or flush tank; swimming pools and spas (chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated for safe drinking but can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and related uses). ,, In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms (germs) that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis.
If water treatment is not possible, put off drinking suspicious water as long as possible, but do not become dehydrated. -
Step 3: Know which water sources are safe and which are not.
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Step 4: Drink water that you know is not contaminated first.
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Step 5: Treat all water of uncertain quality before using it for drinking
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Step 6: food washing or preparation
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Step 7: washing dishes
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Step 8: brushing teeth
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Step 9: or making ice.
Detailed Guide
Many people need even more than the average of one-half gallon, per day.
The individual amount needed depends on age, physical activity, physical condition, and time of year.
Never ration water unless ordered to do so by authorities.
Drink the amount you need today and try to find more for tomorrow.
Under no circumstances should a person drink less than one quart (four cups) of water each day.
You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.
You will need to protect the water sources already in your home from contamination if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines, or if local officials advise you of a problem.
To close the incoming water source, locate the incoming valve and turn it to the closed position.
Be sure you and other family members know how to perform this important procedure.
To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your home at the highest level.
A small amount of water will trickle out.
Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the home.
To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank.
Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve at the tank and turning on the hot-water faucet.
Refill the tank before turning the gas or electricity back on.
If the gas is turned off, a professional will be needed to turn it back on. , Safe: melted ice cubes; water drained from the water heater (if the water heater has not been damaged); liquids from canned goods such as fruit or vegetable juices; water drained from pipes.
Unsafe: radiators; hot water boilers (home heating system); water beds (fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water unsafe to use); water from the toilet bowl or flush tank; swimming pools and spas (chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated for safe drinking but can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and related uses). ,, In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms (germs) that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis.
If water treatment is not possible, put off drinking suspicious water as long as possible, but do not become dehydrated.
About the Author
Henry Gibson
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow DIY projects tutorials.
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