When a disaster strikes, the utilities and services we take for granted may not be functioning. If the normal utilities, such as power, water, gas, phones etc. are not working, you need to be prepared with your disaster survival kit. When a major disaster strikes it takes government agencies time to respond. During this time, which may be two, three, or more days, are you prepared to take care of yourself and your loved ones? Most experts and government agencies recommend enough emergency supplies for three days. Many smaller countries are not able to respond as quickly to a disaster.
Disaster Kit
Every family needs a survival kit for emergencies. You never can anticipate when a fire, flash flood, or maybe a chemical spill emergency will arise. By having a survival kit ready to go at any time, you will have the comfort of knowing you are prepared. Backpacks and duffle bags are great ways to have everything in one place and ready to go. This kit needs to be located in an easy access location for quick evacuation if required. All family members should know where the disaster kit is kept in case of an emergency. Your kit should have many items for emergencies. Some items include; water, food, first aid supplies, emergency radio, flash light, batteries, tools, matches, cooking items, etc. Do not forget to have at least one week of medications you take, and preferably two weeks worth in case of an extended emergency.
This article covers the importance and need for water in your survival kit.
Number ONE Item in your Disaster Kit - Water
The human body can go without food for an extended period of time, but water is a very vital need. We cannot survive without it. A good rule of thumb is to provide one gallon of water for each person per day in your emergency home supplies. In hotter climates you may need double this amount. You should not ration the drinking water. This is another reason to have enough on hand. Always provide extra water for elderly or ill members of the family.
When disaster strikes, the available water should be considered to be contaminated to err on the side of caution. Water can be contaminated very easily. With this in mind, store enough water for your household. Always use cleaned plastic or fiberglass food-grade containers to store water. Plastic soft drink bottles can be used. Clean with a diluted bleach / water solution, use about one part bleach and ten parts water to rinse containers before filling them with water. Do not use bleach labeled as having a scent, like, 'smelling like the outdoors.' You will not like the taste. Store this water in a dark cool location. Always change your water every six months. Be sure to mark the date on your water containers to help remember when to change the water.
Other Water Options
If a disaster strikes where you have to leave home, there are other options for your drinking water. There are several excellent portable water purification and filtration devices available to help provide drinking water. These are very handy due to the light weight and small space for storage and carrying. By choosing a good quality unit that will filter many gallons of water, you help insure the water will be safe, and will support you for an extended period of time if need be.
Packaged water is available and is easier to carry and use than a plastic container may be. Some of the packaged water may have a shelf life of five years or more.
Additional Water uses to consider
Do not forget that if you are able to cook food, water will be required for some foods and for cleanup. Also remember that water is used for sanitary needs as well.
Pets
Remember your pets and their water requirements. It is very important to have enough water for your pets, because they have a hard time communicating their needs.
Conclusion
Every family needs a survival kit for emergencies. Water is a very important part of your survival in an emergency, and is mandatory to be included in your survival kit. The use of water filter bottles will lighten the load if you have to move on foot. A filter bottle for each member of the family would be recommended to provide enough water for everyone.
Do not forget the other important items, such as; food, first aid supplies, emergency radio, flash light, batteries, tools, matches, cooking items, medicines etc. Be prepared and do not count on the government agencies to be there to help you quickly.
Follow this link to find some essential items for your disaster kit. http://survivalproductsforall.com/
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