The Challenge of Getting Safe WATER to a Gathering Place

Water is more vital than food, because our kidneys begin to shut down after a few days without it. At a minimum the experts tell us 6.5 oz a day will keep our kidneys working, but you will absolutely want more for comfort and healthy hydration.  You must bring your water supply with you to your gathering place.  This is a prime reason to have a kit on wheel—water is heavy -- 8.3lbs per gallon. 

Water Suggestions:  At a gathering place you will have needs for water in addition to drinking. One gallon of water/person/day is the absolute minimum.  Consider cooking, re-hydrating food, hygiene, sanitation, first aid. Place water packets or bottles in all components of your kit. 

Things That I Learned from Hurricane Sandy -- A Heads Up For All of Us!

by Frantz Ostmann on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 7:13am 

1. The excitement and coolness wear off around day 3.
2. You are never really prepared to go weeks without power, heat, water etc. Never!
3. Yes it can happen to you.
4. Just because your generator runs like a top, does not mean its producing electricity.
5. If you do not have water stored up you are in trouble.  A couple of cases of bottled water is “NOT” water storage.
6. You should have as much fuel as water:   a. Propane,     b. Gas,      c. Kerosene,      d. Firewood,      e. Firestarter, (kindling, paper, etc.)
7. Even the smallest little thing that you get from the store should be stocked up. (spark plug for the generator, BBQ lighter, etc.)

Added Observations Regarding Hurricane Sandy

by Amie Ostmann

1. Store a lot of ‘mix-ins’ to help flavor your stored water.  
2. Being without running water was more inconvenient than having no power.  
3. Before-hand we stored milk jugs filled with water, ¾ full, and put in the freezer.  When we had no power, we put the jugs, a couple at a time, into the fridge to keep food cold.  When they melted, we used for drinking.  
4. I wished I had more candles.
5. 10-hour candles were awesome.  
6. Candles give a broader light than a flashlight.  
7. We had one lantern; it was better than the candles.  I wished for more.

Water Storage Myths & Facts

Myth: Treat your water, then store it. Fact: If you use regular tap water, it’s already treated. 

Myth: Don’t store your water barrels on cement. Fact:  Don’t store on heated cement, Cement only leaches chemicals when hot. If storing in garage/patio, raise them. 

Myth: Stored water tastes bad. Fact: It is merely lacking oxygen. Restore by pouring back/forth.

Disinfecting Water

Store and use bottled water or water you have properly prepared and stored as an emergency water supply.

The household bleach method

Household bleach is a legitimate way to get clean water for drinking, and ideal when you don’t have access to boiling. It is important to use only regular, unscented chlorine bleach labeled for disinfection and sanitation. Avoid scented or color-safe bleach, or those with additional cleaning properties. Bleach must be stored at room temperature for less than a year, and contain 8.25 percent of sodium hypochlorite. To disinfect your water with bleach follow this procedure:

Tips for Storing Water Long-Term Using 55-Gallon Drums

Water is crucial to your survival in disaster. You want water for the long-term and it is nearly impossible to achieve that with cases of bottled water.  Storing water in 55-gallon drums is a successful strategy.

Who sells e 55-gallon drum?  You can purchase 55-gallon drums online. Get new ones to ensure their cleanliness.  Emergency Essentials often has them, or even grocery stores offer them at various times. 

What you need to accomplish this project:  Before you start this project, gather the following materials:  Black permanent marker, black plastic sheets (at least 3.5 mils thick), bleach, bung wrench, reinforced duct tape (e.g., Gorilla tape), water safe hose (not a garden hose), scissors, siphon hose, dish washing soap, and a teaspoon.