Note: This document is a supplement to the "Y2K Preparedness Seminar" developed for Hope For America Ministries. It is not for sale, nor to be resold. You have the right to copy and distribute this packet free of charge,. and are encouraged to do so.

WATER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU SHOULD STORE
Loss of safe drinking water can be deadly.   Most people, with few exceptions, will start feeling the effects of dehydration if they go without water for more than 36 hours.   Dehydration occurs much more quickly than starvation. Our bodies can tolerate the loss of food much better.  With an ample water supply, starvation is delayed many days- even weeks.

The city water supply is vulnerable to the effects of a large earthquake. Contaminants can get into the drinking water supply through ruptures in the pipes. tbe mixing up of supply sediments, adulteration of the filtering system,. etc. Do not take your water for granted. Plan ahead and store a sufficient supply for your family.

HOW MUCH TO STORE?
Many sources agree that 1-2 gallons of water per person per day provides a reasonable level for drinking, cooking and partial bathing. For Y2K, a four week supply (i.e.. 2*7*4, about 55 gallons per person) is minimum.

PURCHASED WATER
· Five gallon sealed containers from private water companies. Water companies claim their containers are good forever if still factoty sealed. Store all plastic water containers on a wooden pallet or shelf.
· Purchased Water. Bottled water from the store, in one and two gallon sealed containers. NOTE: The one and two gallon containers you purchase in your local store are not designed for long term storage, and will begin to leak after six months.

STORING IN YOUR OWN CONTAINERS
· The best containers are 5 gallon buckets or large "Food Grade" plastic barrels (20-55 gallon sizes).  Make certain they carry   a DOT (Department of Transportation) approval, which means they have met standards for strength and durability. These must have tight fitting lids. Remove the water with a siphon or pump.
· One and five gallon sealable containers, may be obtained from camping or survival stores.
· Old bleach bottles, clearly marked, can be good containers.
· We do NOT recommend using glass as it may break during an earthquake.
· We do NOT recommend using paper (such as milk cartons) as they will degrade over time.
· Do NOT use plastic (ie., garbage) bags for water storage. These often have fungicides added to them.

STORAGE TIPS!
· NEVER use a container for water or food storage which has ever contained any toxic substance!
· Don't forget to clean and sanitize your food containers before using them for water storage. Wash with soap and warm water, then fill with a 10% bleach solution. After five minutes empty the bleach solution and let dry.
· Treat the water for storage at the time you are storing it! See details beiow.
· All containers must have tight fitting lids.
· Keep water containers in a location where container failure will not destroy your other supplies.  Keep all water in a cool, dark place.
· DO NOT STORE ANY PLASTIC WATER CONTAINER direciiy on concrete¹ The concrete will leach chemicals into the water, contaminating it. Concrete will also degrade the plastic bottle- which could lead to failure.

PURIFYING TAP WATER FOR STORAGE (PRESERVATION).
At storage time, use liquid unscented chlorine bleach, containing Sodium Hypoclorite, in these proportions-
· Add ½ to 1 tablespoon of bleach to each 5 gallon bucket of water.
· Add 1/3 cup of bleach to a 30 gallon barrel.
· Add 1/2 cup of bleach to each 55 gallon barrel.

Note adding a bit too much won't damage the water.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE FOR PURIFYING SMALL AMOUNTS OF WATER.
 

USING BLEACH:	Amount to add if ...	Amount to add if ...
Amount of Water	Water is Clear...	...Water is Cloudy
1 quart	2 drops	4 drops
1 gallon	8 drops	16 drops
5 gallon	1/2 tablespoon	1 tablespoon
USING 2% TINCTURE OF IODINE:	Amount to add if ...	Amount to add if ...
Amount of Water...	Water is Clear...	Water is Cloudy...
1 quart	3 drops	6 drops
1 gallon	12 drops	24 drops

EMERGENCY WATER SOURCES IN YOUR HOME.
· Water heaters (see note below for details)
· Toilet tanks, but only if no chemicals (e.g., bluing agents) have been added. Do not use water from the bowl.
· Piping. Immediately upon the event of an emergency, turn off the water at the valve nearest the street (this is to protect the water in your pipes from contamination, if the street source has been contaminated).  Open the highest faucet in the house. Now open the lowest faucet in the house- gravity will drain the water out.
· Ice cubes
· Canned goods are pecked with water, and may be of some use
· Pools-&-Spa. Do NOT rely on these sources- as they are prone to contamination from ground sources and run-off.

USING THE WATER IN YOUR HOT WATER HEATER
· Use extreme caution. Let the water/tank cool.
· Turn off the cold water supply to the tank.
· Turn off the gas or electric heater source for the tank.
· Open the drain valve at the bottom.
· REMEMBER: sediment which has settled to the bottom of the tank may at first make the water flowing from the tank look murky. Continue to drain the water until it becomes clear.

FILTERING WATER
· Water that is "dirty" (cloudy, contains debris, taken from a suspected source, suspected of being bacteria laden) should first be purified using methods above, allowed to set for 30 minutes, then filtered through a piece of fabric, coffee filter or cheese cloth to remove large particles. Special purpose (mechanical) water filters may then be used, to remove fine suspended matter in the water.
· Mechanical water purifiers will remove the chlorides, iodine taste and other gases making the water clear and good tasting. They also remove particulates, but will not remove salt and other needed minerals.

SOURCES. This document was compiled based primarily on information provided by L. A. City Fire Department. and "MAJOR Surplus and Survival" of Gardena, California.

NOTICE: These barrels, to be used for emergency water storage, have NOT yet been cleaned or sanitized.  THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! (Please see the "Complete Water Page" from the Seminar Notes for further information on water storage)

CLEANING: Use a low-suds, biodegradable (if available) liquid detergent, along with a high pressure hose nozzle, to wash the top and inside of the barrel. Drain, then rinse thoroughly until water runs clear (no suds left).

SANITIZING:Fill the barrel with a 10% solution of bleach (for a 55 gallon barrel this requires 5.5 gallons of bleach) all the way to the top.  Use liquid, unscented bleach, containing sodium hypoclorite as the active ingredient (bleach costs about $1.00 per gallon at Costco). Also- let the two caps soak in a similar solution during the filling process, so they are sanitized as well.   Once filled, let the barrel sit for at least 10 minutes, then drain completely, invert, and let air dry for 10 minutes or so.

STORING: AFTER completing the above, place the barrel where it is to be stored, then fill with tap water, adding 1/2cup of (the same type of) bleach during the filling process.  Replace the threaded caps, and seal tightly.  Store out of direct sunlight.

REMINDERS

· DO NOT STORE DIRECTLY ON CONCRETE! PLACE ATOP A BOARD OR PALLET INSTEAD.

·REPLACE THIS WATER AT LEAST EVERY SIX MONTHS, AGAIN ADDING 1/2 CUP BLEACH (Tip: change your water when you change your clocks!)

· You will probably want to consider purchase of a siphon pump (for draining the barrels), and a "bung wrench" (for opening the threaded caps on the barrels.)

NOTE: Typically the barrels have two openings - both of them threaded. One is a large thread, the other cap is usually a fine thread. Don't mix the two when replacing the caps. Also, take care not to cross-thread the caps- these are only plastic threads, and can easily be stripped.   Do not overtighten!

Revised 07/10/98

You may already have some of these items on hand, which will lower your costsl

Revised 7/10/98

· Share the video and information packets from this seminar with others you love.

· Develop and review plan with family, then review monthly.

· Identify like-minded families (church or neighborhood) and work together as a body.

· Identify key verses of comfort to memorize and teach your family.  Review, review, review...

· Don't forget to store extra Bibles and tracts for sharing!

· Consider current and possible alternative locations. Do you have access to a "refuge" if needed.

· Procure, clean, sanitize and fill water containers for storage.

· Contact Storage Food suppliers. Develop your Food Storage stocks.

· Review tools/equipment list for needed items.

· Service autos- check tires, engines, batteries. Have extra (treated) fuel on hand.

· Complete all dental work and elective surgeries by early '99.

· Teach each family member how to use fire extinguishers and show them where they're kept.

· Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.

· Store wood for burning in a fireplace.

· Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.

· Take a Red Cross First Aid or CPR class.

· Maintain a well stocked First Aid Kit (including a manual) in your home and autos.

· Work with your doctor and pharmacist to get extra prescription medications.

· Keep important records in a water and fire proof container.

· Procure a selection of items for bartering.

Some items in the lists below should be packed "ready to go" in case you need to evacuate.  These are marked with an*
 

Shelter *Tent with rainfly *Warm sleeping bags and blankets  Tarps Water *1-2 gallons per person per day - 3-7 days minimum *Water purification kit/chemicals Water storage (tanks, drums, barrels) Siphon pump Filter pump *Food 'Manual can opener Multiple vitamins Canned bread and sandwich spreads Canned meat, fish, and poultry Canned fruits and juices Canned soup, chili, spaghetti, stew and vegetables Nuts or trail mix Granola bars Tea bags, instant coffee, hot chocolate mix Instant soup and cereal Boxed cereal "Comfort/Morale Foods": Hard candy and gum, popcorn! Spices & staples Evaporated or dry milk Baby food and formula Dry and canned pet food Favorite Family Foods *First Aid Kits- for Home and Cars Basic First Aid Manual (from Red Cross) Sterile adhesive bandages, assorted sizes 2" sterile gauze pads (4-6) 4" sterile gauze pads (4-6) Hypoallergenic adh. Tape

Triangular bandages (3) 2" sterile roller bandages (3) 3" sterile roller bandages (3) Scissors Tweezers Needle Moistened towelettes Antiseptic Thermometer Tongue blades (2) Petroleum jelly or lubricant Safety pins, assorted sizes Cleansing agent- soap Latex gloves (2 pair) Sunblock Non-Prescription Drugs Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset) Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting) Laxative Activated charcoal (use if advised by Poison Control Center) Children 's versions of the above items. Sanitation Supplies Large trash cans - with tight fitting cover  Large and medium trash bags with ties, for waste Disinfectant chemicals *Bar soap, shampoo and liquid detergent plastic bags, towelettes *Toothpaste and toothbrushes *Denture supplies *Deodorant *Feminine supplies *Toilet paper Household chlorine bleach

Tools & Related Supplies *Emergency Preparedness Notes *Short wave radio and batteries *Flashlights and batteries Ax, shovel, broom Gas, crescent wrenches Screwdrivers, pliers, hammer Coil of rope, coil of bailing wire, plastic tape Pail for carrying water *Whistles for all *Pen & paper Safety and Comfort *Sturdy shoes and boots *Rain gear Heavy gloves Complete change of clothes for all  Knife and/or razor blades Length of garden hose (or siphon)  Hat or cap; sunglasses Face masks for debris clean-up Fire Extinguishers ABC type 1 or more in the home 5-lb capacity for each car Cooking Supplies 'Matches in waterproof container, -or- Fire starters Outdoor gas grill  Extra gas bottles *Camp stove or "sterno" cans Aluminum foil, food wrap Paper plates, cups, paper towels Plastic ware Lighting Supplies "Power Out Emergency Flashlights" Extra batteries Water-proofed matches Oil Lamps Long duration candles Supplies for Cars Non perishable foods

Water First Aid Kit, medications, sun block Flashlight & batteries Cash (small bills) & coins Flares, marches & fire starter Blanket or sleeping bag Extra clothes, jacket, walking shoes, cap Maps & compass, signaling mirror Pocket knife, small tool kit Fire extinguisher Siphoning hose Tissues or towelettes * Personal Items Extra medication, prescriptions, insulin Extra pair of eye-glasses Set of keys Cash & coins Family Supplies Photo books Games- dice, cards, etc. Books for all Extra Bibles and tracts for sharing Baby Supplies Formula & Bottles Pacifier Soap and baby powder, lotion Clohing Blankets Disposable diapers & wipes Canned food & juices Duplicate "Blankie", doll, or stuffed animal For Pets Food & Water Identification tags or "ID chip" *Family Documents (duplicates) Marriage, birth & death certificates Will, insurance policies, contracts Passports, S. S. cards, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers Updated home inventory

Revised: 7 July 1998

FoodStorage?Why? What? When?  Where? How?

Grain Grinders  Food Products  Water