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Should a natural disaster strike, are you prepared? Do you know how to prepare water so it is safe to use, do you know how much the New Zealand Civil Defence suggests you keep stored for emergency supplies?  In a disaster it is likely that water supplies, including drinking water will be affected. Planning ahead is essential. Civil Defence recommends having 3 litres of water for each family member for 3 days minimum. Family of four? That’s 36 litres of water minimum or 12 big 3 litre Juice bottles filled with water. On top of this you will need water for cooking meals, cleaning/dishes and washing yourself. This will be another 4 litres a day for a family of four.
Prepare drinking water: Ensure you thoroughly clean your bottles with hot soapy water before filling. Fill so they overflow allowing no air to be contained once sealed. When bottling up your drinking water, add 5 drops of household bleach for every litre of water. 15 drops for your regular size Just Juice bottles. This will keep the water fresh for up to 12 months. Put a reminder on your phone now for 12 months time, to ensure you replace this water meaning that if and when a disaster strikes you know your water is safe for consumption. Water can be boiled to make it safe for drinking but the Civil Defence suggests adding bleach to water (and allowing 30 minutes before consuming) to make it safe to drink. Adding a bottle of bleach to your emergency kit is a great idea too! It’s a scary thought that in a natural disaster we may have to live rough for days or even weeks. It’s best to be prepared though. If an earthquake strikes, fill your bath with water immediately if there is still running water. This can then be used in the days ahead. After the devastating Christchurch Earthquakes, which will lay in New Zealand’s history forever, we can never be too prepared. We live in a country prone to earthquakes from north to south. Make it this month mission to not only check your household water stocks but to also put together a comprehensive emergency kit (if you haven’t got one already). The getthru website has stacks of information. Visit http://getthru.govt.nz/how-to-get-ready/emergency-survival-items/ for a full list of items to include in your kit. Once you have made your Emergency Kit for your home, it may be wise to make one for your car or workplace. Plan ahead. Be prepared. Comments are closed.
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