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Why is water important in a Go Bag?

dec.alaska.gov - Planning for your emergency water supply

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In an emergency, having a supply of clean water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene is vitally important. If a natural or man-made disaster strikes your community, you might temporarily lose access to clean water so it is necessary to include water in your emergency supplies kit. You should also include supplies and instructions for emergency water treatment in case you run out of your stored water. There are several methods for treating you water so be sure to include the items needed for the method you plan to use.

To determine your water needs take the following into account:

You should store at least one gallon of water per person, per day for a minimum of five days. However, individual needs vary depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate. Carefully storing your water is an important part in keeping your water safe to drink. If you are not using commercially bottled water for your emergency preparedness kit use food-grade water storage containers (such as those found at camping supply stores). Before filling with safe water, use these steps to clean and sanitize storage containers: Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely with clean water. Sanitize the container by adding a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container. Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container. Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe water that already is available.

Avoid using the following containers to store safe water:

Containers that cannot be sealed tightly

Containers that can break, such as glass bottles

Containers that have ever been used for any toxic solid or liquid chemicals (includes old bleach containers) Plastic or cardboard bottles, jugs, and containers used for milk or fruit juices

Finding an emergency water source

If you run out of your stored safe drinking water and there are no other reliable clean water sources, it may become necessary in an emergency to treat water so it is safe to use. Treat all water of uncertain quality before using it for drinking, food washing or preparation, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice. In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that can cause diseases. Water can be made safe to drink by boiling, adding disinfectants, or filtering. IMPORTANT: Water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals will not be made safe by boiling or disinfections. Use a different source of water if you know or suspect that water might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals.

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Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated.

Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables.

Water from your home’s water heater tank. To use this water 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 value at the tank and turning on the hot‐water faucet. After you are notified that clean water has been restored, you will need to refill the tank before turning on the gas or electricity back on. If the gas is turned off, a professional will be needed to turn it back on. If you receive advanced notice of a potential disaster (ex: weather event) you can fill bathtubs and/or sinks (avoid utility sinks) prior to the event as an emergency source if your stored water supply runs out. Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. It may be necessary to shut off the main water valve to your home to prevent contaminants from entering your piping system.

Outside the Home

Water from sources outside the home must be treated.

Rainwater

Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water

Ponds and lakes

Natural springs

DO NOT DRINK water that has an unusual odor or color, or that you know or suspect might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals; use a different source of water.

Unsafe Sources

dec.alaska.gov - Planning for your emergency water supply

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