Crisis Preparedness

Have a Back-Up Plan An important preparedness principle is to have multiple contingencies for responding to possible crises. When it comes to water preparedness, try to have several methods for obtaining clean drinking water. In

Clean water is extremely important! A lot of times there is water available, but it’s not safe to drink. You should assume that your water is contaminated if the culinary water system has been compromised. Boiling is recommended, but it’s only an option if you have a way to heat it along with needed  fuel. For that reason, you need redundant systems—multiple ways to obtain clean water.

Most people rely on their municipal water system to deliver clean, pure tap water for drinking, food preparation, and personal hygiene. A crisis, big or small, may interrupt the delivery of clean water. When that happens you may experience a “boil water advisory.” In some crises the water system may break down entirely, and you may have to rely on stored water or questionable local water sources like streams and ponds.