A natural disaster has the potential to destroy not just your home or business, but your food and water supply as well. Taking the necessary preparation steps to having an adequate emergency water supply will ease your stress and keep you and your family hydrated during a disaster. Here are the most common water-related disasters, and emergency water supply preparation tips.
What Water-Related Hazards Should I Prepare For?
Where there is water, there is the potential for flooding. A burst pipe in your home, a clogged drainage pipe, an at-capacity drainage system, a hurricane — the list goes on and on. According to unwater.org, 90 percent of all disasters are water related, with flooding as one of the most common natural disasters in the United States, and around the world.
Flooding
Flooding is a result of many natural and generated disasters. While a burst pipe might not necessitate an emergency water supply, severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and severe geographical flooding often contaminate local drinking water supply making it unsafe to consume or bathe in. Private water wells are more likely to be contaminated through flooding.
Flash Floods
Flash floods are a unique type of flooding taking form in under six hours due to heavy rainfall, ice jams, and a dam or levee break. Flash floods are generally faster moving and pose a serious risk to anyone trying to navigate them.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Texas is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 1980, at least 70 tropical storms or subtropical cyclones have affected Texas. Hurricanes have the potential to bring massive flooding and severe winds, resulting in large amounts of structural damage and contaminated water.
Emergency Water Supply
You can easily provide enough water for you and your family with a little emergency preparedness and the right know-how.
How Much Water Do I Need?
According to water.gov, the average person needs 1 gallon of water per day, half for drinking and half for sanitation. This varies depending on age, health, physical condition, and climate. Nursing mothers and children will need more, and everyone will need more water in warmer climates.. How much emergency supply you need is largely determined by where you live, the frequency of natural disasters, and other factors. Create at least a two-week supply to be safe.
How Should I Store It?
Though possible to prepare your own containers of water, the best practice is to purchase commercially bottled water for safe storage and longer shelf life. Store water in a cool, dark place and do not open until ready to use. Do not use after labeled expiration date.
Building and maintaining a water supply is crucial to disaster preparation in the home. Once your emergency preparedness plan is in place, it’s easier to think about where to turn for structural damage, basement flooding, and any other damage done to your home caused by natural disasters. Give us a call for an estimate and more details, here.
