Purifying Water During an Emergency

This story is posted on the exact date and time that a tree fell on our home during hurricane Matthew. I decided on that day, that emergency preparations should start now and be ongoing. One never knows when a disaster will strike.

Purifying Water During an Emergency

The treatments described below work only to remove bacteria or viruses from water. If you suspect the water is unsafe because of chemicals, oils, poisonous substances, sewage or other contaminants, do not drink the water. Don't drink water that is dark colored, has an odor or contains solid materials.

Storing Water Safely

• The best source of drinking water during an emergency is water you have stored with your emergency supplies.
• Store one gallon of water per person per day--enough for at least three days.
• Store-bought, factory-sealed bottled water is best. Check for an expiration date and replace as needed. 
• If you choose to fill your own water containers:
• Collect the water from a safe supply.
• Store water in thoroughly washed plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
• Seal water containers tightly, label with date, and store in a cool, dark place.
• Replace water every six months.
• Never reuse a container that held toxic substances such as pesticides, chemicals or oil.

Purifying By Boiling

If your tap water is unsafe, boiling is the best method to kill disease-causing organisms.

If tap water is unavailable, the following may be considered as potential water sources. Water taken from these sources should be boiled before drinking.:

• Rainwater
• Lakes
• Rivers and streams
• Natural springs
• Ponds

Caution: Many Chemical Pollutants Will Not Be Removed By Boiling.

• Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling. Filter cloudy water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel. 
• Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute.
• Let the water cool before drinking.

Purifying By Adding Liquid Chlorine Bleach

Add two drops of household bleach per gallon to maintain water quality while in storage.

Place the water in a clean container. Add the amount of bleach according to the table below.

Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least 60 minutes before drinking.

Treating Water With Household Bleach Containing 5.25-8.25 Percent Chlorine

Volume of Water to be Treated Bleach Solution to Add

For 1 quart (0.946 L) of water, use 5 drops (0.25 mL) of bleach.

For 1/2 gallon (1.89 L) of water, use 10 drops (0.5 mL) of bleach.

For 1 gallon (3.79 L) of water, use 1/4 teaspoon (1.23 mL) of bleach.

For 5 gallons (18.9 L) of water, use 1 teaspoon (4.92 mL) of bleach.

For 10 gallons (37.9 L) of water, use 2 teaspoons (9.86 mL) of bleach.

• Treat water by adding liquid household bleach, such as Clorox or Purex.
• Household bleach is typically between 5.25 percent and 8.25 percent chlorine. Read the label.
• Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.
• Cloudy water should be filtered before adding bleach.

Caution: Bleach will not kill some disease-causing organisms commonly found in surface water. Bleach will not remove chemical pollutants.

Source: Washington State Department of Health, 2013, Link here.

May is a Time for Florida Hurricane Preparedness

It has been a quiet past few years as far as hurricanes go in Florida.  June 1 is the start of Hurricane Season in Florida.  Now is the time to prepare.

We can never let our guard down however, or think it will never happen to us.

I will be writing more later, but attached are a few resources and my plan to help us be prepared.  It appears I am writing this for others, but it is actually a to-do list for me!  I hope you get something out of it as well. :)

This link from NOAA is to a very good document on how you can keep your family safe.

The University of Florida Disaster Handbook is a great resource.

The Florida Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards is also very good.

This is what I'm going to do...10 Easy Steps!

1. Get my paperwork together, insurance, home owners documentation.  If my neighborhood is declared off-limits by Emergency Management Services, they will not let me back in without proof of ownership.  Back up e-documents to "the cloud" for anywhere access.
2. Fill my cars up with gas, get ready to evacuate if necessary.
3. Work - Keep in touch with my employer.  I don't want to return home, and find out I was fired for not reporting to work.
4. Housing...Locate my nearest shelter.  Protect my house.  Stash a key in the yard somewhere for a neighbor if necessary.  Know how to turn off home utilities if necessary.
5. Have PRINTED in my files family and friends contact information. Don't rely on e-information.  Google or web services may be disabled.
6. Get 7 days of emergency food ready that will keep NOT refrigerated.  Prepare drinking water, 1 gallon per person per day, and flushing / washing water (prepare to fill the canoe with the hose.)
7. Get my Go-Files ready.  The most important financial files in a grab box ready to go.  Keep my most precious documents and photos secure and ready to grab.
8. Stuff...Get some cash on hand.  $500 to $1000 will cover most emergency expenses for 72 hours. Any cash is better than no cash.  Have books or games ready to keep you occupied for endless hours of shelter time.  Have 30 days of prescriptions on hand for all in your family.
9. Shelter - Pre-arrange for an out-of-state (or harms way) place to stay.  Humm, Who are my friends in Georgia and Alabama?  Your nearest safe-house could be within a few hours drive.
10. Communication - Keep in constant contact with my neighborhood loved ones, keep connected with my church family.  Exchange numbers.  Do they need assistance?  This is a time to connect with our fellow community members.  Keep an emergency radio handy for local information.