So where do you start? Safe water and food are your starting point. If you already buy bottled water, save the bottles and recycle them. Just refill with filtered water, seal, and put in the basement or a closet so that you have at least a week’s worth on hand, though the more you have stockpiled the better off you are.
Containers
- Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.
- Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
- Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.
- Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
- Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.
- Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
- Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.
- Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.
- Protect stored water from light and heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing.
- The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before us
More tips to come. Stay tuned.
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