| Send this page of water treatment to a friend | |
|
|
|
||||
Fact Sheet: Post-Disaster, taken from the Red Cross website.Water Treatment:Many people have asked the Red Cross for information and suggestions on treating water after disaster strikes. The following information is provided to address those questions. In addition to having a bad odor, and taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and parasites that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. All water of uncertain purity should be treated before use. To treat water, follow these steps: 1. Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles. 2. Bring it to a rolling boil for about one full minute. (Boil 3 minutes at elevations above 5280 ft) 3. Let it cool at least 30 minutes. Water must be cool or the chlorine treatment described below will be useless. 4. Add 16 drop of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water, or 8 drops per 2-liter bottle of water. Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6% should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a health risk for water treatment. 5. Let stand 30 minutes. 6. If it smells of chlorine. You can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, add 16 more drop of chlorine bleach per gallon of water (or 8 drops per 2-liter bottle of water), let stand 30 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water. Past information that has changed and is no longer recommended 1. The only agent to use to treat water should be liquid household bleach. Other chemicals, such as iodine or products sold in camping or surplus stores for water treatment that do not contain 5.25% hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used. 2. The only accepted measurement of chlorine (or water treatment agents) is the drop. A drop is specifically measurable. Other measures such as "capful" or "scant teaspoon" are not uniformly measurable, and are not to be used. 3. There is no difference between treatment of potentially contaminated water that is cloudy or clear. If local public health department information differs from this advice, the local information should prevail. For more information, contact your local Red Cross chapter and ask for a copy of the brochure entitled, "Food and Water in an Emergency" (A5055). Water stored in metal containers should not be treated, prior to storage, with chlorine. Chlorine is corrosive to most metals. Only very pure water should be stored in metal containers. Write down on the container when you prepared the water. |
||||
After a disaster, it is possible that water supplies will be temporarily cut off or become contaminated. Because you must have water to survive, it is important to know how to locate and purify drinking water to make it safe.
In the home. Melt ice cubes, and use water from the hot-water tank, the toilet tank (not the bowl) and water pipes. Hot water tank. Turn off the power that heats it, and let the tank cool. Then place a container underneath and open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Don't turn the tank on again until water services are restored. Toilet tank. The water in the tank (not the bowl) is safe to drink unless chemical treatments have been added. Water pipes. Release air pressure into the plumbing system by turning on the highest faucet in the house. Then drain the water from the lowest faucet. Outside the home. Rain water, spring water, and water from streams, river, lakes, and coiled garden hoses can be used after it is purified.
Avoid water from water beds as a source for drinking water. Pesticidal chemicals are in the plastic casing of the bed and chemicals have probably been added to the water to prevent the growth of algae, fungi, and bacteria. The water is safe only for hand-washing and laundering.
Boiling and chemical sterilization are two ways to purify water. Any water that is obtained from sources outside the home or water that does not appear clear should be sterilized. Non-sterilized water may be contaminated with the parasite Giardia. Straining water. Strain water containing sediment or floating material through a cloth or paper filter before beginning the purification process.
Store the water in a clean and sanitary glass or plastic container. Plastic containers are good because they are lightweight and unbreakable. Metal containers should be considered as a last resort because they may corrode and give water an unpleasant taste. Water that local officials report has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or radioactive materials cannot be purified using home decontamination methods. Facts About Water Water is the single most abundant substance in the human body, making up to 60 percent of an adult's weight and up to 80 percent of an infant's weight. A person can live several days without food, but just a few days without water. It is second only to air in importance to life. Because water is so important to human survival, never ration it. Drink at least 2 quarts per day, as long as supplies last, and look for alternative sources. |
||||
| What to do about water from household wells after a flood . |
Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency | |||
| Dehydration danger for older adults Dehydration (extreme thirst) can be life threatening. Make sure older adults have enough good drinking water and that they drink it. Older adults can be at risk for dehydration because of a decreased thirst sensation and do not feel the urge to drink as often as younger people. medications that increase the risk of dehydration. physical conditions that make it difficult to drink. Also, exposure to microorganisms in unsafe water can make people sick, and may cause diarrhea which increases the risk of dehydration. Signs of dehydration: Dry or sticky mouth Low or no urine output; concentrated urine appears dark yellow Lack of tear drops Sunken eyes Lethargic or comatose (with severe dehydration). |
||||
Water treatment, Copyright 1976-2010 Dr. Gloria Norris.
Click
to contact the artist for prices or information |
Hurricane Rita Resources, English
Huracán Rita, Recursos 
Hurricane Katrina Arabic
Ouragan Katrina French
Hurricane Katrina Czech
Hurricane Katrina Portuguese
Hurricane Katrina Romanian
Hurricane Katrina Russian
Hurricane Katrina Tagalog
Hurricane Katrina Italian
Hurricane Katrina German
Hurricane Katrina Slovak
Hurricane Katrina Japanese
Hurricane Katrina Ukranian
Hurricane Katrina Vietnamese