Disaster preparedness question: Is it safe to drink water collected by a dehumidifier??
I know this is going to sound really weird, but I was reading a Yahoo news story recently about Americans' lack of preparedness for major disasters, and it gave tips on supplies to keep on hand, including food and water. I know this might sound really cra zy, but if the worst-case scenario should leave people without safe water supplies, is it safe to drink water collected from a dehumidifier? I've had one on hand since plumbing problems awhile back flooded my basement.
MOst water can be made to be safe, but you dont want to have to wait for a de humidifier to do its thing, if your in a disaster.
You will need more than it creates from the atmosphere, and you might not have electricity to run it.
Its easier to buy a bunch of 5 gallon water cans, and keep them filled. Date them, refill them, and if necessary, keep some bleach on hand to purify the water when needed. A few drops of chlorine bleach per gallon is all you need for most water kept in a clean environment.
Keep your water, food and other emergency supplies rotated, and stored in a safe built up place that will survive whatever natural disasters are prone in your area.
I am a paramedic, first responder, law enforcement cadet, and generally well educated human being.
I'm looking into upgrading my disaster kits from my three day in-the-car kit, and my approximately-one-week kit at home.
In the car kit-
food (MRE style)
water
flashlight system
emergency radio system
extra clothing and blankets PRN
first aid kit with n95 masks
Fire extinguisher
prescription and necessary OTC medications
Emergency Documents
Portable toileting needs
Emergency Hygiene needs
Home Emergency Kit
Water sufficient for animal, people
Bleach for foraging for fresh-ish water
MRE style food
Pet food
Canned heat and cooking pot for boiling water
Flashlights
Chem sticks
Hygiene items
Emergency toilet preparations
Extra clothes, extra blankets
Emergency radio
Stored in food-safe containers (can be used to store potable water in eme)
plastic sheeting, duct tape
n95 masks
Shovel, work gloves
I'm looking for a more complete list, or for suggestions.
Food and Water
(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)
* Protein/Granola Bars
* Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
* Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
* Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener might not be a good idea, read this warning from one site visitor.)
* Canned Juice
* Candy/Gum
* Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)
Bedding and Clothing
* Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
* Undergarments
* Rain Coat/Poncho
* Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)
* Cloth Sheet
* Plastic Sheet
* Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
* Infant Needs (if applicable)
Notes:
1. Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.
2. Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
3. Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
4. You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
Triangle Of LIfe Disaster Preparedness Video Trailer
Natural disaster preparedness workshop attenders?
Has anyone ever attended a group training course on "Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management" or similar? What exactly is it about? What is expected from participants? etc.
Thanks.
Hey Mike, thanks. So, do you reckon having the mock disaster helped things? How close was the practical to the paper response?
I participated in our communities emergency preparedness program a few years ago. Basically each industry representative was expected to supply information about how an emergency or disaster would effect them and what safety plans needed to be put in place to mitigate any problems.
We later did a table top drill of a mock disaster at one of the larger chemical plants in the area and tested out preparedness plan.