Before the Event

Top Tips

• Store a supply of drinking water in advance of the storm – at least one gallon per person per day, preferably for two weeks.
• Water system boundaries do not always correspond to city boundaries. Know who your water service provider is so you will know if any “boil water” order that is issued applies to your home. Your provider's name will be on your water bill.
  

To ensure that there is an adequate water supply available for you and your family during a hurricane emergency, you are advised to:

• Gather and fill available bottles, cooking utensils and other containers that can be used to store drinking water. Milk containers should not be used as they are difficult to clean thoroughly and don't have an airtight seal. Plan on storing one gallon of drinking water per person per day for three to five days, preferably for two weeks.
• To store water, use food-grade containers. Clean, airtight containers such as two-liter soda jugs can be filled with drinking water. Sterilize containers by sponging and swabbing them with unscented bleach. Rinse well and dry.
• If you re-use disposable plastic bottles, do not keep them for more than a month.
• Sterilize the bathtub in the same manner as containers. Water stored in the tub should be used for washing and flushing the toilet.
• Purchase a supply of water purifying tablets, generally available from the local pharmacy.

Updated August 2012