Natural Disasters: Securing Clean Water When You Need It Most
October 08 2024 – Ethan Young-Smith
When hurricanes hit, they don’t just bring intense winds and flooding; they can also leave communities without basic essentials like safe drinking water. Having a reliable source of clean water is one of the most critical aspects of survival in these situations. Whether you’re hunkering down at home or preparing to evacuate, a couple to ensuring you have access to safe water during and after a hurricane. Here’s how to be ready, plus some key ways you can purify water if supply lines are down.
Why Water Preparedness Is So Important
In emergency situations, drinking water can quickly become compromised due to floodwaters, contamination, and infrastructure damage. The CDC suggests at least one gallon of water per person per day for hydration, cooking, and hygiene. Staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy during stressful events, and contaminated water can lead to dehydration, bacterial infections, and diseases like cholera. Preparation is crucial for keeping your family safe and healthy.
Essential Water Filtration Gear to Have on Hand
Investing in portable, reliable water purification gear can be a game-changer when local water sources are compromised. Here are some items to consider:
These are compact and great for filtering water on the go, removing contaminants like bacteria and protozoa. Ideal for travel and emergencies, these filters offer a quick and portable solution.
Perfect for filtering large quantities of water at a time, portable pumps draw water from lakes, ponds, or standing water. They’re great for supplying clean water to families or groups.
Collapsible containers are convenient and portable. Many come with inline or gravity-fed filters, allowing you to filter water without electricity or heavy equipment.
UV purifiers are compact and effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. They’re best used with clear water and are powered by batteries, making them suitable for emergency kits.
Many emergency kits come with filters and small pouches of treated water that last for years. They’re great for “grab-and-go” situations where you don’t have time to collect or filter water.
DIY Water Purification Methods at Home
If you’re sheltering in place or have limited access to commercial water filtration, there are simple, at-home methods to purify water safely:
Boiling is one of the most effective ways to kill bacteria and parasites. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1–3 minutes, let it cool, and it’s ready to drink.
Unscented household bleach can disinfect water IN SMALL QUANTITIES. Add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, mix, and let it sit for 30 minutes. The bleach should kill most harmful pathogens, but make sure to use plain, unscented bleach (not one with added cleaners or scents).
If you have sand and charcoal, you can create a makeshift filter by layering them with gravel in a bottle or container. This won’t kill bacteria but will help filter out particles and sediment.
Fill clear bottles with water and place them in direct sunlight for 6–8 hours. The UV rays from the sun will kill most harmful organisms, making this a viable option on sunny days.
Available at most outdoor supply stores, water purification tablets are an effective way to treat water. They often use iodine or chlorine dioxide to kill pathogens, making water safe to drink in about 30 minutes.
Supporting Disaster Relief Efforts
At Mazama Designs, we’re committed to helping communities affected by disasters gain access to clean, safe water. For every purchase made in October, 10% of proceeds will go directly to GreaterGood.org, supporting disaster relief efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, we’re donating hydration packs, filtered bottles, and emergency filtration kits to make a difference for families and individuals in need.
Stay safe and hydrated.
- Mazama