December 21, 2008 Relief Society Emerency Prepredness spotlight

December 21, 2008
What follows is part of the information available at lds.org/Provident Living website regarding water storage:

Water Storage Guidelines
Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Follow the container’s “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.

If you choose to package water yourself, consider the following guidelines:

Containers
• Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.

• Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.

• Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.

• Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.

Water Pretreatment
• Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.

• Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.

Storage • Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.
• Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.

• Protect stored water from light and heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing.

• The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.

Additional Information Note: The following links are not to official Church publications but are provided as additional resource material:
www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/water
www.redcross.org/services/prepare