There are many different
kinds of disasters that can impact our lives. Earthquakes, torandoes,
floods, fires, hurricanes, etc. strike without warning and can be devastating
to those affected. Now is the time to prepare your family by making
sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency and that
all supplies are ready.
Water is essential
to survival. Any emergency survival plan must include water storage
and purification. The below information will help you plan for meeting
your needs for clean, safe drinking water should you ever experience an
emergency.
Storage
Here is an excellent reference site with links to a wide array of storage
issues, including rainwater storage.
http://www.lookingforstorage.com/waterstorage/
ORLANDO, Florida, December 11, 2001 (ENS) - Water management officials in central Florida warn the region has supplies of drinking water that will last just five more years if current unfettered growth and projected drinking water demand is not abated. For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2001/2001L-12-11-02.html
1. Water heater, if secured.
2. Toilet tanks (not the bowl) if the water
hasn't been treated with chemicals to enhance color, smell, etc.
3. Canned begetables and fruits stored
in water or juice.
4. Beverages.
5. Ice.
6. Swimming pools (for hygiene purposes
only). It is not recommended that swimming pool water be used
for drinking because acids build up in the water which could be harmful
to health.
7. Do not use water stored in vinyl
plastic containers, such as water beds, for drinking.
DRINKING WATER TREATMENT METHODS
Compressed carbon blocks can be used effectively in an emergency situation to treat water at the tap, stored water, or water from alternative sources. If the water source is questionably contaminated, it should be disinfected prior to use (see below for disinfection tips) and then processed through the carbon block to remove the disinfection solution and contaminants which may be in the water which are impervious to some disinfection methods, such as Giardia Lamblia, Cryptosporidium, certain chemicals, etc.
You may use the compressed
carbon block installed at your kitchen sink to process stored water or
water from alternate sources by siphoning the water from the source through
the carbon block. Siphoning could be accomplished manually or by
using an emergency Hand Pump Kit. This requires that you disconnect
your system from the plumbing (if installed below the sink) or the faucet
(if installed on the countertop).
If the water source is questionably
contaminated, it should be disinfected prior to use. All stored water
should be disinfected prior to drinking. The American Red Cross recommends
the following methods for purifying drinking water:
1. Boil for 5-10 minutes, or
2. Add 10 drops of a household bleach solution
per gallon of water, mix well and let stand for 30 minutes. If the
water is cloudy, double the amount of chlorine. A slight smell or
taste of chlorine indicates water is adequately disinfected, or
3. Add household tincture of iodine in
the same manner as bleach above, or
4. Use commercial purification tablets
such as Halazone or Globaline. Follow package instructions.
Your carbon block will provide
safe, refreshing, and clean drinking water every day of the week.
Sometimes, a contamination problem isn't known until the public becomes
ill. With a carbon block filter at your kitchen sink, you are protected
from the outbreak of waterborne diseases which may be caused by certain
contaminants which have been known to appear in drinking water sources
in differenct parts of the country. Microscopic cysts, such as Giardia
Lamblia and Cryptosporidium are reduced (@99.9%) by a carbon
block filter. Contaminants like asbestos and lead are reduced by
your filter, protecting your family's health. And, certain chemical
contaminants are absorbed by your solid carbon clock filter, protecting
you even before a contaminant may be known. To assure the maximum
protection possible, be sure to replace the filter in your drinking water
system when the first of the following occurs:
a) when the unit's rated capacity is reached
b) at leats once a year
c) when the flow rate diminishes
d) when the filter becomes saturated with bad
tastes and odors.
It is also advisable to use water processed through a carbon block filter for brushing your teeth or any other consumption, especially if the quality of your tap water is questionable during an emergency situation.
Keep in mind that during an emergency, the public ater utility may not be able to maintain the integrity and quality of your tap water due to damage to its equipment and distribution system. It may be advisable that you treat your tap water following a disaster situation. Then process your drinking water though your carbon block filter to provide the same slean, safe drinking water that you normally enjoy.
Your water supply and a good water filter are most important components of your emergency survival plan. A supply of clean, safe water could be your most precious survival item. Carbon blocks assure the safety of your water when following the guidelines included above. Be sure to include these important items in your Survival Plan so that you are prepared for that next disaster. Consider also stocking up on additional replacement filters.
For a copy of the American Red Cross's 'Family
Disaster Plan and Personal Survival Guide," contact:
American Red Cross
2700 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 739-5200
or your local American Red Cross chapter.
TO ORDER
FILTERS
see "Ordering"
email us at
petrich@whidbey.com
or call
(360) 730-7992
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