How to Manage Water Supplies during a Hurricane

During a hurricane, water is often considered a very valuable substance. This is especially true when it comes to the people who suffer from loss of electricity during this time. Throughout this guide, I will share helpful tips with you on how to manage water supplies during a hurricane. If you have always wondered how to monitor the water you have stored, and how to disperse it, this will prove to be extremely helpful to you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The first thing that you should do when it comes to managing the water that you have in storage this hurricane season is to make certain that you have at least four cups of water a day set aside for each person in the home. In all actuality, it is often best to allow each individual at least eight cups of water on a daily basis. It is essential that every person get the amount of water that they need on a daily basis. If a person reduces the amount of physical activity that they engage in, the body will not require more than you have designated.

2. There are many cases in which authorities will inform you to save as much water as possible. In these situations, it is important to allow the individuals in your home to drink that which is necessary. However, you should never ration off your water supplies if you are not informed by the authorities. If you do so, you may find that individuals in your family suffer from health complications.

3. In many situations, a water supply in the home may become contaminated. This often occurs during Hurricane Season and many areas end up going under a “boil water” notice. If this is the only water you have left, it is important to attempt to treat it in order to clean it up as much as possible prior to consumption.

4. If you are trying to preserve the amount of water that you have stored for Hurricane Season, it is important to avoid consuming products that actually contain ingredients that can dehydrate the body. Two of these include items that contain alcohol, and those beverages that list caffeine as an ingredient.

5. It is important that you know where you can get water that is considered to be safe to drink this Hurricane Season. Ice that has melted is a popular choice. Many individuals drain and consume the water that is contained in water heaters in the home. In addition to this, water that is drained from pipes in and around the home is typically a safe choice.

6. Just as it is important to know where you can find safe drinking water, it is also important to know what types of water should NOT be consumed. The following lists the sources that should never be used as a means of acquiring drinking water during Hurricane Season:
   
   • Water that is contained within toilets and the tanks on the toilet
   • Water acquired from radiators
   • Swimming pools and other types of recreational bodies of water
   • Hot boiling systems in the home
   • Water beds

[mywatersafe]

on 10/19/2009 Be prepared! We have come out with some awesome new technology in emergency water storage. Our new system stores flat and expands to 55 and 65 gallons either in a bathtub or standing alone. We're a Red Cross Preferred Partner and Max Mayfield loves us too. Learn more at www.hurricanewarehouse.com

[yellowstar2000]

on 6/4/2009 thank you for the helpful tips, and living in Florida for the past 22 years has taught me that, yes...its better to be prepared during hurricane season that be without these basic necessities in a storm!

[Viol]

on 6/4/2009 Great tips!!!

[jenng]

on 6/3/2009 Great article on how to manage water supplies during a hurricane 5*

[starlet67]

on 5/23/2009 Helpful tips!5*