Should you store water? The FDA shares new security advice
Access to clean water is essential in an emergency.
These days, severe weather is constantly striking in the United States in only the past two months only, we have seen tornadoes in Alabama, floods in Texas and Blizzards in California. You never know if the next extreme event could end without much warning, so it is important to prepare in advance in case. Fortunately, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published new advice on emergency preparation and water storage. Read the rest to discover what the FDA has to say.
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The FDA advises you to prepare for the emergency room now.
Do not wait for the disaster to strike. Regarding dangerous weather events, planning in advance can make a huge difference, reports the FDA. "When the windswind winds start to blow and the torrential rains increase the water levels, you must be ready," said the agency in January 2023 consumer alert . "If the storm or the floods are serious enough, you may have to evacuate with a short time to prepare yourself. Do not go back to the preparation until the urgency has not reached."
Even if you do not end up having to evacuate, it will probably be difficult to find the supplies you may need to shelter in place just before an expected storm. This is why the FDA advises to make an emergency kit to which you can turn during need. "In addition to first aid and other essential elements, including supplying food and water in your emergency kit at home is the best way to prepare for hurricanes and floods," said the agency .
The FDA says you should have a stock of water for at least three days.
You may not be able to use water straight out of your tap during an extreme weather event, especially if floods are involved, so a stock of water in an essential element of your emergency preparation. "Access to clean water is essential," said the FDA. "Floods can contaminate tap water ... with wastewater, chemicals, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms or other contaminants." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
In accordance with the recommendations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA recommends that each member of your family has a minimum of a gallon of water by Storm day. "Stick at least a 3 -day water supply for each person," said the agency. "However, a 2 -week diet is better if you have space."
Your water should be bottled and stored safely.
This is not only the amount of water you have, the stock must also be stored safely. "The water must be bottled and purchased in store to avoid possible contamination, and maintained at home in a dry and dark place," warned the FDA. But do not leave this right battery either for an indefinite period. The FDA said you should also "regularly check the expiration or" use "dates" on bottled water in your stock and "turn and replace them if necessary".
When you store your bottled water, you should also keep it where it will be "as safe as possible from floods," said the FDA. "If your bottled water has a smell, do not drink it or use it. Instead, throw it, or if necessary, call your water supplier to make arrangements to obtain a replacement."
You can use other waters under certain conditions.
"The safest choice for your drinking water in an emergency is bottled water that has not been exposed to flooding waters," said the FDA. But if this is not available, there are ways to manufacture and protect other drinking water options. "If you don't have bottled water, you should boil water for a minute," said the agency. "This will kill most of the types of pathogenic organisms, such as cholera, typhoid, salmonella, giardia, E. coli and Amibas."
Once your water has been boiled, you should allow it to cool and store it in clean containers with lids.
If you cannot boil water and want to drink or use it in another way, your next best choice is to disinfect it by adding an eighth teaspoon of regular, not specified and liquid bleach For each gallon.
"Stir well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using it," also advised the FDA. "If the water is cloudy, filter it through layers of clean fabric or let it settle, then remove the clear water for disinfection."
