Preparedness

APRIL PREPARDNESS THOUGHT

“ . . . . . MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY  BREAD ALONE. . . . . . .”

Water storage is critical!!!!!

Fourteen gallons of water per person is the suggested amount to store for a 2 week emergency situation. This isn't a lot of water though. If you have room and means to do so, store more

here is a three tier method for storing water:

Tier 1: this is made of water bottles and other small portable water containers. ( this could include juice jugs, 2 liter pop bottles or your canning jars) To economize many people are tempted to use empty milk jugs, but don't plan to store water in these for more than 3-4 months. They are bio-degradable and will break down within 6 months.

You can store these containers where they are not exposed to direct sunlight; including closets, under beds, cabinets. These are for quick access and should be rotated regularly. You can also purchase boxes of prepackaged water pouches for easy water sources in 72 hour kits.

Teir 2: this is comprised of larger bottles of water or pallets of water. Large 5 gallon  water containers are a great idea for these. These should be rotated about every year.

Teir 3:  this is your large water storage, meant to store large amounts of water. 55 gallon storage units are excellent ideas, don't forget a siphon pump for these. These should also be rotated every few years, books say up to seven years but I rotate ours about every 2-3 years. Just to be safe.

When storing water in your larger containers it is necessary to purify water for long term storage. Here is one suggestion

•       Chlorine Bleach -- Household bleach  be used. This should contain a 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite without soap additives or phosphates. Use 1/8 teaspoon (about 5-8 drops) per gallon of water.

I also recommend boiling your drinking  water even if your use the purifying method for storing large amounts of water. “Just to be safe” is a great thought.

Here's your April challenge:  Rotate your water storage. Add to your storage if you have the space.  If you don't have water stored, find ways to store it. Use you r canning jars, this is a great way to have water since you already have to store your jars. Use juice bottles. If we all look I am sure we can find ways to be more prepared with our water supply.

Also in a emergency situation  don't forget you have water in your water heater, your toilet tank. Don't use water from your toilet  tank if it has colored disinfectants, ice in your freezer, water pipes.