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An adequate safe water supply is a priority. Your family will require
water not only for drinking but other basic needs, i.e. taking medication,
cooking, hygiene, and sanitation. Don’t forget to include a source
of water for pets.
Carbonated beverages do not meet daily water requirements. Caffeinated
drinks and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for
drinking water.
• Emergency Water Storage and Purification
• Safe Water Sources in The Home
• Unsafe Water Sources
• Water for Drinking and Cooking
• Water Shut Off
Emergency Water Storage and Purification
- The minimum drinking water supply is 1 gallon per person per
day. Store a 3-7 day supply of water for each person (at least 5 gallons
per person) to provide for cooking, hygiene, taking medication, sanitation,
etc.
- Water should be stored in sturdy plastic bottles with tight-fitting
lids.
- Stored water should be changed every 6 months.
- Avoid placing water containers in areas where toxic substances,
such as gasoline and pesticides, are present.
- Do not store water containers in direct sunlight. Select a
place with a fairly constant, cool temperature.
Safe Water Sources in the Home
Under ideal conditions, you have stored water for emergencies. If you
do not have enough water stored, there are sources in your home that
may provide safe, clean water for drinking purposes.
- Water drained from the water heater faucet, if the water heater
has not been damaged.
- Water dipped from the tank of the toilet (not the bowl). The
water in the bowls can be used for pets. Do not use water that has been
chemically treated or “blue” water.
- Melted ice cubes.
- Canned fruit, vegetable juice, and liquids from other canned
goods.
- Water from swimming pools and spas can be used for personal
hygiene, cleaning, and related uses, but not for drinking.
Unsafe Water Sources
Never use water from the sources listed below for drinking.
- Radiators
- Hot water boilers
- Water beds
Water for Drinking and Cooking
Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Your
state or local health department can make specific recommendations for
boiling or treating drinking water in your area. Here are some general
rules concerning water for drinking and cooking.
- Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth,
wash and prepare food, or make ice.
- If you use bottled water, make sure the seal has not been broken.
Otherwise, water should be boiled or treated before use. Drink only
bottled, boiled, or treated water until your supply is tested and found
safe.
- Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing
water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill most organisms.
- Containers for water should be rinsed with a bleach solution before using. Rinse the container after using the bleach solution.
Water Shut-off
Locate the main water service pipe into your house (probably in the
front at the basement level). You will see a gate valve on the pipe.
If you know you have leaks after an earthquake, you can shut off all
water in your house with this valve.
You can shut off all water to your property by finding the water meter
box (usually at the street or sidewalk). Open the cover with a long
screwdriver or specialty tool. If this box is inaccessible or you cannot
find it, call your local water department. Inside the water meter box,
you will see a valve that is similar to the valve on your gas meter.
Turn it just the same as your gas valve.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
American Red Cross
Water Treatment
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_563_,00.html
Centers for Disease Control
Water and Food Concerns
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/food.asp
Los Angeles Fire Department
Before an Earthquake
http://lafd.org/equtils.htm
Managing Water Supplies
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/family/disaster-guide/shelter.htm#water
Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management
Update Emergency Supplies
http://lacoa.org/PDF/03-06_Update-Emergency-Supplies.pdf
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