WATER

 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.
• Do not drink the water after a storm until you know it is safe. If a “Boil Water Order” is issued, it will be announced in the media. You should stay tuned to local radio and television station for updates or call the Hurricane Hotline at 954-831-4000 or 311 (TTY 954-831-3940).
• 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.
• Generally, a boil water order applies to drinking water. This means you should not give water from the faucet to pets, or use it for washing, cleaning, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice or making formula. You are safe showering under a boil water order, but should keep water out of the eyes and mouth.
• Restrict use of running water after the storm until power is restored to all areas. During power outages, lift stations that normally pump raw sewage/wastewater may not be operating if they are not powered by a generator. In these cases, the system can eventually back up into your street, or showers, toilets and sink drains inside your home.

BEFORE THE STORM

 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.

• Listen to local news bulletins following the storm to determine if there is a boil water order in effect for your area.
• Engage in safe hygiene practices to sanitize hands, etc.
• If the quality of water is questionable, there are three ways to disinfect it:
  1. Boil water at a rolling boil for one minute to kill infectious organisms.
  2. Use water purifying tablets (generally available from the local pharmacy), according to package directions.
  3. Use unscented household bleach. Add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) household bleach per gallon of water. Mix thoroughly. Let stand for 30 minutes. If water is cloudy, repeat the dosage and let stand 30 minutes. The water will not be toxic, although it will have a chlorine odor and taste.
     

• Remove the plug or cap from the tops of the well casing.
• Pour two quarts bleach into the well.
• Replace plug or cap.
• Open all outlets on the system and allow water to run until the chlorine odor is noticeable.
• Allow chlorine to remain in the system at least six hours but preferably overnight, then run water from all outlets until the system is free of chlorine.

Updated June 2008

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