The Importance of Safe Water in an Urban Survival Situation

By David Hardin

When preparing your household for a disaster nothing is more important than assuring an adequate supply of clean water. In our day to day existence, fresh water is so abundant and inexpensive that we tend to overlook its true importance in our lives.

The rule of three says that we can survive

three minutes without air,

three days without water,

three weeks without food.

Our bodies are made up of between 60 and 75 percent water. We must have water to survive.

Some natural disasters are slow to develop. Hurricanes, floods and winter emergencies usually give us enough time to set aside a supply of fresh water. Storing bottled water is your best bet, but do not wait until the last minute to buy it. When a disaster looms, water and toilet paper are two items that disappear from store shelves first.

If you have your own well, remember that hurricanes and floods can contaminate your water supply and cut off the electricity needed to bring water to your home. A severe winter emergency can freeze water pipes. If you are on a municipal water supply, tornadoes and earthquakes can disrupt water service, or make the quality suspect.

As a rule, figure on three gallons per day, per person. People who are ill, or injured, will require more water than healthy people.

Following a disaster we must be prepared to survive on our own for at least 72 hours. A family of four will need to set aside at least 36 gallons of water.

Even commercially bottled water becomes suspect over time. It should be stored in a cool, dark place. A basement is an ideal storage space.

Here are a few tips to assure a supply of water during an emergency.

Your hot water tank provides a supply of safe water. Shutting off the main valve to your water supply will keep the water from running back out of the lines through damaged pipes.

The standard bathtub in America holds 42 gallons of water. Clean and rinse your tub well, then wipe it down with a strong solution of unscented household chlorine bleach. Fill the tub and, as an added precaution, add 1/8 teaspoon, (8 drops) of bleach for each gallon of water. It is easier to remember 5 ¼ teaspoons per tub. This water can be used for cooking, bathing, dish washing and, if necessary, drinking.

If you are squeamish about using water from your bathtub, line the tub with a plastic drop cloth before you fill it.

Do not use water stored in your toilet tank without first disinfecting it.

If you are caught unprepared, any water is better than no water. Even cloudy or muddy water can be filtered, or allowed to settle, then poured off into another container and boiled briskly for one minute. When cool, add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon and let stand for 30 minutes.

The author is currently certified by the Emergency management Institute under the auspices of FEMA and The Department of Homeland Security. He has been actively involved in disaster preparedness and survival techniques for more than half a century. You can get free up-to-date downloads and information about all areas of Urban Survival at: http://www.davehardinonline.com/the1st72hours.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Hardin
http://EzineArticles.com/?Disaster-Preparation---The-Importance-of-Safe-Water-in-an-Urban-Survival-Situation&id=1551841