TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.
WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 19.09 DATE: March 3, 2019
SUBJECT: WATER IN AN EMERGENCY
If an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm, or other disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. By taking some time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for your entire family.
Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink as least as two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.
If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool. If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes, and ice cubes. As a last resort, you might be able to use the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).
Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.
To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your home at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house.
To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the electricity or gas when the tank is empty.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV