Saturday, October 25, 2014

For Want of a Glass of Water

As I have been considering what to post next, the first thing that came to mind is that most all of us have good intentions, but sometimes we just don’t know where to start to prepare for emergencies.  

That said, I think what I’ll do for the next few posts is focus on the staples we need to keep in our storage.  This includes food but is not necessarily limited to that.  I’ll try to point you in the direction of where to find good resources and information as much as I can. 

One of the resources in greatest need when disaster strikes, is good clean water.  Without water, it is a short time before we become destitute.  Additionally, having sufficient water to take care of not only drinking, but also sanitation, provides us with a sense of well-being in a time of need.   The federal government’s readiness web site, www.ready.gov, provides these recommendations when storing water. 

You should store at least one gallon of water per person for three days.  A normally active person needs about ¾ of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages.  However, individual needs vary, depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.
To determine your water needs, take the following into account:
  • One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
  • A medical emergency might require additional water.
  • If you live in a warm climate, more water may be necessary.  In very hot temperatures, water needs can double.
  • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.


The church has provided us with Drinking Water Guidelines for ensuring we know how to store water.  Please reach out to the following web page to read these guidelines https://www.lds.org/topics/food-storage/drinking-water-guidelines?lang=eng


Water will be one of the first requirements you will have following an emergency.  With an adequate amount properly stored, you can sleep well knowing you are prepared. 

May God Bless You, 
Bro. and Sis. Jorgensen

2 comments:

Gregg Brustad said...

Spread your water out. In other words don't keep all your water in one location. A 50 Gal drum is nice, but also have a smaller 5 gal or even a case or two of bottle water that could be added to your 72 hour kit or even be able to be passed out if needed. Keep some water in the basement so if you are in a "shelter in place" or living in your front yard after a earthquake. But having some bottle water and a 5 gal. container of water that could be quickly placed in a car if the need to evacuate is the only option.

Unknown said...

Thanks Bro Brustad. Your thoughts are on target. I came across another commentary after posting my comments that presents an interesting approach. Take a look at this further explanation

http://disasterpreparednessblog.com/disaster-preparedness-blog/2014/9/12/why-you-shouldnt-have-a-three-day-supply-of-water.html

Erik